US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held a detailed phone discussion on Tuesday, covering several strategic areas, including civil nuclear energy, trade negotiations, critical minerals, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The conversation underscores the growing importance of US-India cooperation across economic and security dimensions.
Following the call, EAM Jaishankar highlighted on X that the discussion included trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence, and energy, and confirmed that both sides agreed to stay closely engaged on these and other issues. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the conversation as constructive, noting that it reviewed next steps for ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, critical mineral initiatives, and the possibility of a high-level meeting next month.
A key highlight of the call was Rubio’s congratulations to India on passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill, a recent law strengthening the country’s civil nuclear energy framework. According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the US expressed interest in leveraging this legislation to enhance civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations. This cooperation could expand opportunities for American companies, support shared energy security objectives, and ensure more secure critical mineral supply chains.
The two diplomats also reviewed ongoing bilateral trade discussions, reaffirming their shared commitment to bolstering economic ties. Both sides acknowledged the mutual benefits of close cooperation in trade and critical minerals, emphasizing the role of predictable policy frameworks and strategic partnerships in fostering investment and sustainable growth.
Additionally, Rubio and Jaishankar exchanged views on regional developments in the Indo-Pacific, reiterating a shared vision of a free, open, and secure regional order. The discussion underlined the strategic convergence between the United States and India in promoting regional stability, energy security, and technological collaboration while safeguarding critical supply chains.
The call reflects the evolving US-India partnership, highlighting the countries’ focus on integrating economic, technological, and security interests. By strengthening ties in nuclear energy, trade, and critical minerals, both nations aim to reinforce their position as key players in regional and global strategic initiatives while fostering long-term economic and security cooperation.
