India and the United States undertook a wide-ranging review of their comprehensive global strategic partnership on Tuesday, engaging in a series of high-level discussions at a moment when bilateral relations are facing considerable strain due to sharp divergences over trade and tariff policies. The consultations, held in New Delhi, brought together senior officials from both nations and sought to strengthen cooperation across major pillars of the partnership while addressing the challenges that have recently emerged.

The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, who is on a four-day visit to New Delhi and Bengaluru. Hooker’s trip comes at a sensitive juncture in India-US relations, particularly following US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on Indian goods. The measures include a 50 percent tariff hike across several categories and an additional 25 percent punitive levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. These actions have aggravated trade frictions and cast a shadow over broader economic relations.

Despite these tensions, both sides used the foreign office consultations to reaffirm their commitment to the comprehensive global strategic partnership that has evolved over the past decade. The Indian external affairs ministry noted that the dialogue provided an opportunity for an in-depth review of the partnership and facilitated conversations on key issues spanning trade, investment, defence collaboration, energy security, critical technologies, and trusted supply chains. The TRUST initiative—Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology—featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting the growing role of technology in shaping the trajectory of bilateral ties.

A spokesperson for the US Embassy stated that Hooker’s discussions with Misri centred on cooperation that supports India’s long-term developmental objectives while simultaneously enhancing US security, economic competitiveness, and job creation. The United States, according to the spokesperson, remains focused on strengthening collaboration in defence, energy, technology, and space, as well as in the development of resilient and transparent supply chains. These are areas where both nations see strong mutual benefit and potential for rapid expansion.

The two sides also delved into regional and global developments, particularly developments that bear upon the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape. Both countries reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, a central theme that has shaped their converging strategic outlook in recent years. The emphasis on the Indo-Pacific underscores the broader geopolitical dimension of the partnership, which extends beyond bilateral concerns to encompass the stability and security of the wider region.

Another focal point of the meeting was the implementation of the COMPACT initiative—Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology for the 21st Century. According to the external affairs ministry, both sides welcomed the steady progress made under existing dialogue frameworks and agreed to accelerate the momentum of COMPACT to advance transformative cooperation in defence innovation, strategic commerce, and high-end technologies. For India, these mechanisms are instrumental in boosting indigenous capabilities, especially in advanced military and dual-use technologies, while for the United States, they help build a reliable security partner capable of contributing meaningfully to regional stability.

The US embassy spokesperson further noted that Hooker emphasised the importance of translating the vision laid out by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their February meeting into practical outcomes. At that meeting, the two leaders pledged to finalise the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement by the fall and set an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade to 500 billion dollars by 2030. They also agreed to intensify defence technology cooperation across critical sectors, including space systems, air and missile defence, maritime security, and undersea capabilities. Hooker reiterated that strengthening India’s rise as a global technology leader not only aligns with US strategic interests but also drives innovation and economic growth in the United States.

The discussions reflected a shared understanding that, despite the friction caused by tariff actions and trade-related disagreements, the long-term trajectory of India-US relations remains one of convergence and expansion. Hooker expressed appreciation for Foreign Secretary Misri’s consistent engagement and partnership, highlighting that both countries are committed to pursuing shared priorities that yield tangible benefits for their citizens while complementing India’s national objectives of development and self-reliance.

Ahead of her visit, the US State Department had outlined the priorities of Hooker’s trip, noting that she would focus on advancing the bilateral strategic partnership, strengthening economic and commercial ties, and increasing American exports. A significant portion of her agenda was dedicated to promoting collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, innovative energy solutions, and space exploration—sectors seen as foundational to the next phase of India-US cooperation.

Following the consultations in New Delhi, Hooker is expected to travel to Bengaluru, where she will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Her engagements in the city will include meetings with industry representatives and innovators from India’s rapidly expanding space, energy, and technology sectors. The US views Bengaluru as a crucial hub of innovation and a natural partner for deepening technological collaboration.

Parallel to Hooker’s visit, the new US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer will also travel to India on December 10–11. According to India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Switzer’s trip is intended as a familiarisation visit that will include meetings with senior Indian officials. Jaiswal reiterated that both governments remain actively engaged in negotiations to conclude a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. While recent tensions underscore the complexity of these negotiations, both sides appear committed to finding a path forward that supports long-term stability in economic relations.

In summary, the latest round of India-US foreign office consultations underscores the depth and multidimensional nature of the bilateral partnership. Even as significant trade frictions persist, the dialogue reflects a strong willingness on both sides to insulate the broader relationship from short-term challenges. With sustained engagement across defence, technology, energy, and strategic supply chains, India and the United States continue to work toward a partnership that not only responds to current challenges but also shapes a shared vision for the future.