New Delhi

US Senator Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrapped up a three-day visit to India from January 17 to 19, during which he held a series of meetings with senior Indian leaders, lawmakers, and business representatives, the US Embassy in New Delhi said.

During his visit, Senator Daines met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, members of Parliament, as well as leaders from the US and Indian business communities.

Reflecting on the visit, Daines said he travelled to India to reaffirm the shared democratic values and strategic partnership between the two countries, while also advocating for the interests of pulse crop farmers from Montana. He said he appreciated Minister Goyal for hearing the concerns of American farmers and added that he would continue working with President Donald Trump to pursue the issue.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the visit contributed meaningfully to advancing bilateral ties. He noted that Senator Daines’ experience in Asia and his role on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee made his engagements with government officials and private sector stakeholders particularly valuable in strengthening cooperation between the two nations.

During discussions with Indian officials and parliamentarians, Daines focused on expanding US-India defence cooperation, strengthening supply chain security, and reinforcing the strategic partnership to promote regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The senator also raised the issue of favourable provisions for pulse crops in any future trade agreement between the United States and India. Montana is the leading producer of pulse crops in the US, while India remains the world’s largest consumer.

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Additionally, Daines called for faster progress toward a balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement and highlighted opportunities to deepen collaboration in advanced technologies, trade, and investment to support economic growth in both countries, according to the statement.