External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Senator Steve Daines during his visit to India on Sunday, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Jaishankar described the meeting as a “wide-ranging and open discussion” on the strategic significance of US-India ties.
The engagement follows earlier talks between Senator Daines and India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, which focused on enhancing the multifaceted partnership between the nations. Jaishankar shared on X that the discussions covered developments in trade, technology, innovation, and the broader global landscape, underscoring the senator’s support for deepening the bilateral relationship.
Daines’ visit coincides with Sergio Gor taking office as the US Ambassador to India, reflecting the renewed focus on diplomatic and trade engagement. The discussions also build up to a forthcoming meeting between Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as New Delhi and Washington continue negotiations on trade agreements and other strategic collaborations.
Earlier, the MEA confirmed that Jaishankar and Secretary Rubio had held their first conversation on January 13, addressing trade, critical minerals, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, and energy issues. Both leaders exchanged insights on regional developments and agreed to maintain regular communication to advance mutual interests. Jaishankar later highlighted the conversation on social media, emphasizing the focus on trade, defence, energy, and nuclear cooperation.
The dialogue takes place amid tensions over trade, including US-imposed tariffs of 50% on certain Indian imports, following India’s Russian oil purchases. Despite these frictions, officials note that continuous engagement and high-level discussions signal both countries’ commitment to resolving issues while strengthening strategic cooperation.
Analysts suggest that visits like Senator Daines’ play a crucial role in bridging understanding between Washington and New Delhi, reinforcing trade and security partnerships, and fostering cooperation in critical sectors like energy, technology, and defence.
