US Seeks Deeper Defence, Energy Cooperation With India As Top Officials Hold Talks In New Delhi

Last Updated:December 10, 2025, 07:47 IST

The talks took place against the backdrop of mounting tensions after President Trump in August doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent

News18

India and the United States held high-level discussions in New Delhi on Tuesday, with both sides focusing on advancing defence and energy cooperation amid recent strains in the bilateral relationship.

The meeting between US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri centred on “translating the vision" outlined by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their February meeting into “concrete progress," officials said.

Hooker is on a five-day visit to India, beginning Sunday, aimed at strengthening strategic and economic engagement. Her discussions with senior Indian officials come at a time when Washington has signalled a strong interest in expanding defence-industrial collaboration and securing deeper energy partnerships with New Delhi.

The talks took place against the backdrop of mounting tensions after President Trump in August doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, including an additional 25 per cent duty linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

The tariff hike has added pressure to an already sensitive economic track, even as both governments continue to emphasise the importance of maintaining momentum in strategic cooperation.

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