NewsGate Press Network

A day before the Republic Day was a busy day for Dr S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister (EAM) who met a three-member delegation of US Congress in the National Capital against the against the backdrop of continuing strain in ties between the two countries.

Two Republican Congressmen namely Jimmy Patronis and Mike Rogers along with Adam Smith, a Democrat lawmaker from America held talks with EAM focused on apparently on ‘how to overcome’ road blocks between India and the US regarding prosperous bilateral trade deal.

In a social media message tweeted on platform ‘X’, Dr Jaishankar said his meeting with US lawmakers was a “good interaction”.

“Discussed various aspects of India-US ties, Indo Pacific and Ukraine conflict. Congressional interactions have always been an important facet of our relationship,” he said.

On his part, Gor said on X: “Just wrapped a productive meeting with EAM @DrSJaishankar, @RepMikeRogersAL, @RepAdamSmith, and @JimmyPatronis on ways to strengthen US-India partnership for stronger security, expanded trade, and cooperation on critical technologies.”

It may be recalled that India-US relations are running through severe testing times specially after Donald Trump had slapped a whopping 50-per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25-per cent punitive levy over Russian oil purchases.

Both the two countries have held multiple rounds of negotiations in 2025 and deciding to close the deal early in 2026.

However this had not happened as US continues to put pressure on India to open up India’s farm and dairy sectors.

  • Jimmy Patronis: Represents Florida’s 1st Congressional District. He was sworn in on April 2, 2025, to succeed Matt Gaetz, representing the Florida Western Panhandle (including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties).
  • Mike Rogers: Represents Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. He has served this East Alabama district since 2003.
  • Adam Smith: Represents Washington’s 9th Congressional District. He has served this district, which covers parts of King and Pierce counties (including areas south of Seattle), since 1997.
  • While Adam Smith is a Democrat, the other two are Republicans