Indian Ambassador Engages US Senator on Strengthening Cooperation in Technology and Innovation
Washington, November 4, 2025 — India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, recently held a productive meeting with Republican Senator Mike Rounds to discuss avenues for enhanced cooperation between India and the US in the areas of technology, innovation, and trade.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Monday, Ambassador Kwatra described the interaction as a “useful exchange” focused on deepening ties in technology and innovation. A significant part of the discussion centered around developing a strategic roadmap for collaborative efforts in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Ambassador Kwatra also took the opportunity to inform Senator Rounds about the ongoing bilateral engagements related to trade, including India’s increasing purchases of hydrocarbons from the United States. Energy cooperation has indeed become a cornerstone of the India-US partnership, with India accelerating its imports of American crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet growing domestic demand.
Senator Mike Rounds, who represents the state of South Dakota, currently chairs the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and co-chairs the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus. His legislative work emphasizes promoting innovation and ensuring US leadership in emerging technologies, making him a pivotal figure in steering technology-related cooperation between the two nations.
This meeting forms part of Ambassador Kwatra’s ongoing efforts to engage with US lawmakers and government officials with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation across high-technology sectors. Over the past several months, the Ambassador has actively participated in multiple initiatives that focus on innovation, trade, and the transition towards clean energy.
In October, Ambassador Kwatra was a prominent participant in various Diwali celebrations in Washington D.C., including events hosted by the World Bank and influential think tanks. Notably, on October 24, he attended the Diwali reception organized by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, where he joined friends of India from government, business, academia, and the media.
Reflecting on the event, Ambassador Kwatra posted on X, “Delighted to join the Diwali Reception hosted by @USIPForum to celebrate the festive seasons with friends of India from different sectors, including the US Government, Business, Think-Tanks and media.”
Earlier in the month, he was present at a special Diwali ceremony held at the White House, where then-President Donald Trump extended warm greetings to the people of India. The President ceremoniously lit the diya in the Oval Office, calling it “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness.”
Ambassador Kwatra expressed gratitude to President Trump for hosting the event at the White House, highlighting it as a powerful endorsement of diversity. “You are showcasing the strength of diversity through this celebration. So, it’s truly a great honour. On behalf of my Prime Minister and myself, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Diwali, particularly to the over 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US,” he remarked.
This series of engagements underscores the mutually beneficial relationship unfolding between India and the United States, particularly in areas such as technology innovation, energy collaboration, and cultural exchange. Both countries continue to explore new pathways to deepen their partnership in strategic sectors vital for economic growth and global leadership.
