US negotiators arrive in India, seeking to finalize trade deal
What's the story
Allison Hooker, a senior US State Department official with expertise in Asian affairs, will be in India from Sunday to Thursday. The visit comes as a team of American trade negotiators arrives in the country for continued talks on a potential trade agreement. The official's mission is to strengthen the "strategic partnership" between the two countries, according to an official statement from the US Embassy in India.
Diplomatic engagement
Strengthening economic ties and collaboration
During her visit, Hooker will be meeting senior Indian officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The main aim of these meetings is to strengthen economic and commercial ties between the two nations. The US Embassy statement also said that Hooker will be working toward boosting US exports and enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and space exploration.
Trade negotiations
Deputy US Trade Representative's visit coincides with Hooker's
Along with Hooker, Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer and his team are also visiting India. Their visit comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day trip to India at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation. The Indian government is keen on finalizing a deal with the US that could reduce the 50% tariffs, which were partly a retaliation for India's purchases of Russian oil.