US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in the Indian capital New Delhi amid escalating tensions over trade and tariffs that has somewhat strained Washington-Delhi relations.
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Pompeo called on Indian PM Narendra Modi foreign ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Pompeo and Modi exchanged “views on various aspects of Indo-US relationship”.
“Working together to further deepen our strategic partnership,” Kumar tweeted. The US official then met his counterpart S. Jaishankar.
“Continuing the emphasis on high-level Indo-US exchanges, EAM [External Affairs Minister] @DrSJaishankar warm-heartedly welcomed @SecPompeo as the first US dignitary visiting India after elections,” said Kumar, adding that Pompeo is the first foreign minister to be hosted by Jaishankar after assuming office.
Welcoming a close friend.
Continuing the emphasis on high-level Indo-US exchanges, EAM @DrSJaishankar warm-heartedly welcomed @SecPompeo as the first US dignitary visiting India after elections. @SecPompeo is the first Foreign Minister to be hosted by EAM. pic.twitter.com/8jk7Pf3LzY
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 26, 2019
During a joint press conference, Jaishankar said: “We have many relationships with many countries, many of them are of some standing. They have a history. We will do what is in our national interest.”
Resuming engagement with a valuable strategic partner after elections@SecPompeo arrives in India on a 2-day visit. He will call on PM @narendramodi and meet EAM @DrSJaishankar to exchange views on a range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/EkXh12TrPX
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 25, 2019
His visit is the first high-level engagement between the New Delhi and Washington since Modi’s re-election last month. India and the US call each other a strategic partner despite retaliatory tariffs they imposed on some of the other’s goods this month.
India imposed tariffs on 28 American products including walnuts and almonds on June 16 in retaliation for the U.S. ending India’s preferential trade status on June 1. The Trump administration imposed higher duties on products including aluminium and steel.
The visit also comes ahead of the scheduled meeting between President Donald Trump and Modi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in Japan later this week.
The two countries’ officials are also likely to discuss India’s plans to purchase Russia’s S-400 air defence system. The US has shown reservations about the deal. But still, the US has become India’s top defence supplier in the last two years. India’s trade with the US has also seen steady growth at $150 billion annually.
Indian officials say they have little differences with the US over political and strategic issues including on Iran, but they have cautioned the two countries to need to be careful on trade and commerce.
India stopped oil purchases from Iran after the US sanctions waiver ran out in May but Indian officials have continued working out for a renewal of the waiver amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Indian officials say while they understand the US concerns regarding Iran, their country has taken an economic hit.
