External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit the United States next week, sources confirmed on Wednesday, to participate in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. Scheduled for February 4 and hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the ministerial will bring together global partners to strengthen collaboration on critical mineral supply chains, which are vital for economic security, technological leadership, and the energy transition.
The US Department of State highlighted that the ministerial will focus on enhancing international partnerships to ensure reliable and resilient critical mineral supply chains, essential for the US’s economic and national security as well as a sustainable energy future. Secretary Rubio will host representatives from key partner nations, underlining the strategic importance of coordinated action on critical minerals.
Ahead of the ministerial, Jaishankar met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi. In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister expressed confidence in Gor’s role in further strengthening India-US relations. “Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership. Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India – US relations,” Jaishankar stated.
Ambassador Gor also shared updates on their discussions, noting that talks covered multiple sectors including defence, trade, and critical minerals. “Always a pleasure to spend time with @DrSJaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more!” he posted.
Earlier this month, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened a high-level Finance Ministerial in Washington to discuss diversifying and securing global critical mineral supply chains, with a special focus on rare-earth elements amid supply vulnerabilities. India was represented at the meeting by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, overseeing Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and IT. Other participants included finance ministers and senior officials from Australia, Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
The ministerial and accompanying discussions underscore the growing importance of India-US collaboration in critical minerals and strategic supply chains, aligning economic and technological priorities of both nations.
