Overview
- According to the U.S. Embassy, Hooker will be in New Delhi and Bengaluru from December 7 to 11 for meetings with senior officials, including Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
- In Bengaluru, she will visit ISRO and meet leaders from the space, energy, and technology sectors to promote research partnerships and explore expanded cooperation.
- The agenda in New Delhi includes regional security, economic cooperation, and shared Indo-Pacific priorities outlined by the State Department.
- Reporting notes continuing strain from an unsigned trade pact and U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, including a 50% levy with a 25% penalty tied to purchases of Russian energy.
- Despite tensions, recent steps cited as progress include a one‑year 2.2 million‑ton LPG import deal and a $946 million sustainment package for India’s MH‑60R helicopters, while WION reports a separate U.S. trade delegation led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer is also set for talks on a first‑phase agreement.