The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee reaffirmed that India remains a key partner in promoting stability, economic growth, and technological progress across the Indo-Pacific region — highlighting its growing role in trade, defense cooperation, and regional security.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, following her meeting with India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, emphasized the shared democratic values and strategic alignment between the two nations.
“I was glad to meet again with India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra. India remains a vital partner in advancing stability across the Indo-Pacific, economic growth, and technological innovation in both our countries, built on our shared democratic values,” Shaheen said.
India’s expanding presence in the Indo-Pacific has become increasingly significant in balancing regional power dynamics, ensuring maritime security, strengthening defense partnerships, and facilitating open trade routes. As a member of the Quad alliance alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia, India plays a central role in advancing a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
Ambassador Kwatra has been actively engaging with key U.S. stakeholders in recent days. On Tuesday, he attended Diwali celebrations at the US-India Business Council, where he extended festive greetings and commended the Council’s role in strengthening bilateral economic ties.
“Participated in the Diwali celebrations at the US India Business Council today. Wished all the members a prosperous and happy festival and congratulated them on the important role they play in enhancing the US-India economic partnership,” Kwatra posted on X.
The Indian envoy also joined U.S. President Donald J. Trump for Diwali celebrations at the White House. Expressing his appreciation, Kwatra said, “Deeply honoured to join President Donald J. Trump at the White House today to celebrate Diwali. Wished him on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed warm greetings to the vibrant 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US.”
President Trump, while addressing the gathering, praised Prime Minister Modi as a “great person” and a “great friend,” underscoring the strength of U.S.-India relations in trade and regional peace.
“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today — had a great conversation. We talked about trade and peace in the region. It’s a very good thing that there are no conflicts between India and Pakistan,” Trump said.
The event marked another strong reaffirmation of the growing strategic, defense, and economic partnership between the United States and India — a relationship seen as pivotal to maintaining balance and long-term stability across the Indo-Pacific.
