Delhi, 27 May (H.S.): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to embark on a three-day visit to the United States starting Tuesday, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday. The visit to Washington involves meetings with senior US Administration officials and is a follow-up to Prime Minister Modi's visit in February 2025, where the India-US COMPACT was launched to strengthen military partnerships, commerce, and technology. Reports suggest that Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor may accompany Misri.

The backdrop of this visit includes recent claims by US President Donald Trump regarding the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which India asserts was a result of Pakistan's urgent desire for peace following military engagements during Operation Sindoor. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted last week that communications with many nations occurred between May 7-10 when the ceasefire was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan. Trump's statements in Doha about a potential bilateral trade deal with India indicate that India may agree to a no-tariff arrangement for several American goods, building on trade discussions initiated during Modi's earlier visit.

Additionally, an all-party Indian delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is preparing for its own visit to the US, following their trip to Guyana and other South American nations, to convey India's stance on terrorism. The Indian delegation aims to engage with US leaders and lawmakers during their visit, reinforcing diplomatic ties and India's interests on the international stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar