U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Sunday to review the full range of India-U.S. ties. The two sides expressed optimism about concluding a bilateral trade agreement soon. Rubio described the partnership as one of America’s most important strategic relationships.
Rubio arrived in India on Saturday for a four-day visit. The talks covered trade, energy, defence, critical minerals, AI, nuclear cooperation, and counter-terrorism. Rubio said a U.S. trade delegation would visit India very soon to advance negotiations.
Jaishankar outlined India’s five-point approach, stressing dialogue for conflict resolution, uninterrupted maritime commerce, and opposition to the weaponisation of trade. He also raised concerns about visa issuance for legitimate travellers. Rubio replied that adjustments to the visa system form part of a global modernisation effort.
Both leaders discussed the situation in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio stated that the United States remains committed to a peaceful diplomatic solution while ensuring Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon. Jaishankar noted India’s interest in maintaining relations with multiple countries in the region and securing energy supplies.
Rubio also addressed questions on remarks against Indian Americans, saying the United States is a welcoming country enriched by immigrants from around the world. He reaffirmed that Indian companies have invested over $20 billion in the U.S. economy.
