US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday emphasized that India represents a relationship of “critical importance” to Washington during discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The talks came amid growing strains in bilateral ties following new tariffs on Indian goods and a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees imposed by the Trump administration.
According to a State Department readout, Rubio commended India’s active engagement across several sectors, including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. Both leaders agreed to continue collaborating to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region, with specific reference to the Quad framework. Rubio also highlighted the shared commitment to advancing prosperity for both nations through continued strategic and economic cooperation.
Jaishankar noted that their discussions covered “a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern,” underscoring the importance of sustained engagement to achieve progress on priority areas. On social media, both leaders reiterated the need to remain in close contact as they work toward strengthening the multifaceted US-India partnership.
The meeting follows previous engagements, including their encounter in Washington during the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July and earlier discussions in January 2025. While the relationship faces challenges, such as the imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian imports and a 25 percent surcharge linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, both sides have signalled their willingness to advance trade negotiations.
Additionally, the recent hike in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 annually has raised concerns over its potential impact on the movement of Indian IT professionals and small businesses in the United States. Despite these obstacles, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, leading a delegation to New York, met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to push forward discussions on a bilateral trade agreement.
The meeting highlights a shared determination to strengthen economic and strategic ties between the US and India, ensuring continued collaboration on trade, defence, technology, and regional security amid ongoing global challenges.
