US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the significance of Washington’s partnership with India following discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Manila on July 22. Describing bilateral ties as “vitally important,” Rubio emphasized the growing cooperation between the two democracies across strategic and economic sectors.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both governments, including US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and other members of the American delegation. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in areas that remain central to the evolving India-US relationship.
Following the talks, Rubio shared on X that he was pleased to meet Jaishankar once again during the ASEAN gathering. He said their conversation covered a wide range of topics, including regional security, the Quad partnership, trade, and defense cooperation. Rubio added that the United States considers its relationship with India an essential pillar of its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar also provided details of the meeting, saying both leaders reviewed key priorities under the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. According to the Indian foreign minister, the discussions included an exchange of views on regional developments, global challenges, and multilateral issues of shared interest. The dialogue reflected the continued commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across diplomatic, economic, and security domains.
In addition to their bilateral meeting, Rubio and Jaishankar participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The gathering reinforced the four nations’ shared vision for a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
After the meeting, the Quad foreign ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture. They also pledged to strengthen cooperation in regional security, critical and emerging technologies, economic resilience, and other strategic areas aimed at promoting stability and sustainable growth.
The discussions in Manila highlighted the continued momentum in India-US relations as both countries work closely through bilateral and multilateral platforms. The meeting also underscored the importance of the Quad in advancing shared priorities and addressing regional challenges while reinforcing cooperation among like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific.
