Washington, Aug. 9 -- Diplomats in New Delhi and Washington are battling behind the scenes to stabilise the India-US partnership even as political tensions have escalated dramatically following President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50% tariff rate on Indian goods. According to persons closely involved with the relationship, governmental bureaucracies in both capitals have quietly continued functional cooperation on energy, trade and connectivity despite the public confrontation over India's Russian oil purchases.The diplomatic push comes after Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Wednesday-bringing the total levy to 50% effective August 28-while India hit back, calling the measures "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and vowing to protect its national interests. As HT reported, National Security Council director for South Asia Ricky Gill visited India this week for a summit on the delayed India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), underscoring continued strategic cooperation despite trade tensions.Gill - Trump's top adviser for South Asia at the White House - met with senior officials from India as well as key European nations during his New Delhi visit. A veteran of the first Trump administration, where he handled Russia and European energy issues, Gill's engagement signals White House recognition of the partnership's strategic importance....