Trade barrier issues, terrorism, H-1B Visas, data flow, India’s missile defence system deal with Russia and situation arising out of US restrictions on buying oil from Iran, are likely to figure prominently at the first bilateral talks between India and the US after the recent polls that gave an enhanced and renewed mandate to the Modi government.
Pompeo, who about a fortnight ago had heaped praise on Prime Minister Modi and even echoed the BJP campaign line ‘Modi Hae toh Mumkin hae (With Modi everything is possible and achievable)’, met his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar here on Wednesday.
Pompeo is the first US dignitary to visit India after elections and also the first Foreign Minister to be hosted by EAM Jaishankar, MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.
“Welcoming a special guest. Continuing the emphasis on high-level Indo-US exchanges, EAM Dr S Jaishankar warmly welcomed Secretary Pompeo as the first US dignitary to visit India after elections,” Kumar tweeted.
Earlier in the day, Pompeo called on Prime Minister Modi and also held parleys with the NSA Ajit Doval separately. Pompeo’s India visit comes ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and PM Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan possibly on June 28.
Dr Jaishankar hosted a working lunch for the visiting dignitary.
“Working together to further deepen our strategic partnership. Secretary Pompeo called on PM Narendra Modi to exchange views on various aspects of Indo-US relationship. PM will meet President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 Osaka Summit,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesman said in another missive.
