External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar concluded a productive visit to the United States from February 2 to 4, underscoring the “strong momentum” in India-US relations amid the historic trade deal nearing finalisation. During the visit, he participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and held high-level discussions on strategic and economic cooperation.
Posting on X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Secretary Rubio for his hospitality and noted that the trade agreement, aimed at lowering barriers and expanding market access, would usher in a new phase in bilateral ties. The discussions emphasized cooperation in trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals, and technology, with both sides agreeing to accelerate follow-up mechanisms to advance shared interests.
According to a US State Department readout, Jaishankar and Rubio discussed formalising collaboration on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing, a key pillar of the economic and strategic partnership. The meeting followed the announcement by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the trade deal, which both leaders welcomed for its potential to unlock economic opportunities and strengthen energy security.
In addition to Secretary Rubio, Jaishankar met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, describing the talks as productive and focused on advancing India-US economic and strategic cooperation. These high-level engagements highlight the expanding scope of bilateral engagement across diplomacy, trade, defence, energy, and emerging technologies. Officials emphasized the need for closer coordination across departments to translate political momentum into concrete outcomes.
Recent years have seen strengthened cooperation between India and the US in defence, energy, and advanced technologies, with critical minerals and innovation prioritised to support clean energy transitions and high-end manufacturing. The visit also reaffirmed the two nations’ commitment to regional and multilateral partnerships, including the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, with both sides acknowledging the importance of a prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Overall, EAM Jaishankar’s trip reflects a broad and deepening strategic and economic partnership, positioning India-US relations as a central pillar of both countries’ foreign policy strategies.
