Washington/New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau today discussed “ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to achieve a fair and balanced bilateral trade relationship” and boost defence and technology ties.

According to a readout by US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau “discussed ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to achieve a fair and balanced bilateral trade relationship, strengthen collaboration in defense and technology, and boost security and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

“The Deputy Secretary also thanked the Foreign Secretary for India’s assistance in addressing illegal immigration to the United States and asked the Government of India for continued cooperation on this issue.”
The Indian readout said that FS Misri congratulated Deputy Secretary Landau on his recent confirmation by the US Senate.
Foreign Secretary Misri underlined the deepening convergence of India-US strategic interests and the significance of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
The two also touched on the growing bilateral trade, defence and technology cooperation, and issues relating to mobility and migration.
Both sides agreed to remain engaged on matters of mutual concern. Foreign Secretary Misri also extended an invitation to Deputy Secretary Landau to visit India at his earliest convenience.
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri spoke with U.S. @DeputySecState Christopher Landau.
“They spoke about the deepening convergence of India-U.S. strategic interests & touched on the growing bilateral trade, defence & technology cooperation & issues relating to mobility and migration.”
The talks come as Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, along with a team of US government officials, is in India from March 25-29 for meetings with Indian interlocutors as part of the ongoing bilateral trade discussions.
The visit of the US official comes as the two sides are negotiating the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), which would be ready by fall of 2025.
UNI RN