US Under Secretary Hooker Begins 5-Day India Visit to Strengthen Ties
US Under Secretary Hooker Begins 5-Day India Visit to Strengthen Ties
Five-day trip to New Delhi and Bengaluru aims to deepen the US-India partnership, expand trade, and boost AI and space collaboration.
The U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, arrived in India for a five-day visit, with engagements planned in New Delhi and Bengaluru to advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership and support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In New Delhi, Hooker is scheduled to hold Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The discussions will address regional security, economic cooperation, and shared Indo-Pacific priorities, with an emphasis on deepening economic ties, increasing American exports, and fostering collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space exploration.
During her Bengaluru stop, Hooker will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation and meet leaders from India’s space, energy, and technology sectors to promote innovation in the U.S.-India research partnership and explore opportunities for expanded cooperation.
The visit comes as the relationship navigates ongoing tariff tensions tied to India’s purchases of Russian crude oil. India has reportedly reduced its Russian energy purchases, but the broader bilateral relationship with Russia remains important to New Delhi, as highlighted by recent remarks from Prime Minister Modi.
The trip also unfolds against a backdrop of uncertain timing for a Quad summit, with no official schedule announced, underscoring continued efforts to align Washington and New Delhi on security and economic priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
Scheduled for December 7 to 11, the visit signals momentum in high-level discussions aimed at translating diplomatic dialogue into tangible outcomes for trade, technology, and strategic partnership.
Cover image source: US envoy to visit India from Dec 7-11; strategic partnership, trade ties on agenda 🔗
