In a significant diplomatic move, a senior United States official has embarked on a five-day visit to India, aiming to navigate through a period of strain in bilateral ties. The visit by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker from December 7 to 11 comes at a crucial juncture, with the two nations grappling with trade disputes while striving to keep their strategic partnership on a steady course.
Navigating Trade Tensions and Strategic Priorities
The diplomatic engagement unfolds against the backdrop of 50 per cent punitive tariffs imposed by the US on India, a point of contention that has tested the relationship. Despite these economic headwinds, the Trump administration's dispatch of a top official signals a clear intent to maintain high-level political and strategic dialogue. The visit is seen as an effort to compartmentalise issues, ensuring that trade negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) do not derail broader cooperation on security and regional stability.
As per the US embassy, Hooker's itinerary includes meetings in New Delhi and Bengaluru. Her agenda is packed with discussions aimed at advancing the US-India strategic partnership, deepening economic and commercial ties, and fostering collaboration in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and space exploration.
A Packed Agenda: From Delhi Consultations to Bengaluru's Tech Hubs
In the national capital, Under Secretary Hooker is scheduled to hold talks with senior Indian officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri through the Foreign Office Consultations. The conversations will centre on regional security, economic cooperation, and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, a cornerstone of President Trump's foreign policy.
The latter part of her trip takes her to Bengaluru, India's technology and innovation hub. Here, she will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and engage with leaders from India's vibrant space, energy, and technology sectors. The goal is to promote innovation in joint research partnerships and identify new avenues for expanded cooperation, tapping into the complementary strengths of both nations.
Indian Calibration and Confidence in a Trade Deal
India has maintained a calibrated and pragmatic approach towards Washington during this phase. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking just a day before Hooker's arrival, acknowledged that the Trump administration's functioning was "radically different" from its predecessors. However, he expressed confidence that a balanced BTA could be achieved "soon," while firmly reiterating India's commitment to safeguard the interests of its farmers, workers, and small businesses during negotiations.
Hooker's visit also coincides with enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation between Delhi and Washington. Recently, the Quad grouping, which includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia, convened in Delhi to explore ways to expand cooperation in combating terrorism under its framework, adding another layer to the multifaceted partnership.
Ultimately, Under Secretary Allison Hooker's five-day tour marks a deliberate step by the Trump administration to advance its priorities for a robust US-India partnership. It underscores the complex nature of the relationship, where deep strategic convergences in areas like security and the Indo-Pacific continue to propel engagement forward, even as both sides work to resolve significant economic differences.
