US Lawmakers Hold Talks in New Delhi on Terror Threat, Russian Oil Amid Sensitive Pakistan Visit
US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, chairman of the CIA subcommittee on the House Intelligence Committee spoke to Indian officials over energy security and terrorism. Image courtesy: RNA
In a significant diplomatic engagement, United States (US) Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, chairman of the CIA subcommittee on the House Intelligence Committee, and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan recently met senior Indian officials to discuss cross-border terrorism and energy security.
The visiting lawmakers held talks with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor, where New Delhi underlined the continuing threat of Pakistan-sponsored terror infrastructure. Indian officials highlighted this year’s Pahalgam terror attacks as a reminder of cross-border dangers.
What did Indian officials tell the US lawmakers about Russian oil?
According to officials, the discussions were also used to clarify India’s position on Russian oil imports. Contrary to some media reports suggesting pressure from Washington, Indian representatives stressed that New Delhi had not made any commitment to cut Russian imports.
They explained that Indian refiners make independent decisions based on market conditions, and such imports were initially encouraged by the US itself after the Ukraine war to keep global oil prices stable.
“The talks were useful to apprise the US lawmakers of India’s energy requirements and the continuing threats from cross-border terrorism,” an official familiar with the discussions said.
Did the US lawmakers account for Indian sensitivities on Pakistan?
The two lawmakers also visited Pakistan, though they took a detour through Nepal to account for Indian sensitivities. The visit carries weight given past remarks by US President Donald Trump, who claimed credit for brokering an Indo-Pak ceasefire, while his administration had criticised India’s energy ties with Moscow.
Following his trip, Fitzpatrick emphasised cultural and community ties, noting his visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. “It reminded me that our work abroad is never separate from the values we stand for at home,” he said, highlighting the strong connection between Pennsylvania’s First District and the global BAPS institution.
The visit underscores Washington’s balancing act between India and Pakistan, while New Delhi continues to press its case against cross-border terrorism and defend its strategic energy choices.
