India-US dialogue: EAM Jaishankar holds high-level talks with US Secretary Rubio

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday engaged in a high-level telephonic discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasising a shared agenda for cooperation in defence, energy, and emerging technologies.

The conversation follows recent signals from the new American envoy to New Delhi regarding the potential resumption of bilateral trade negotiations. The two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of the strategic partnership, with a specific focus on trade, critical minerals, and nuclear cooperation.

"Just concluded a good conversation with @SecRubio. Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy," Jaishankar posted on X. He further noted that both sides "agreed to remain in touch on these and other issues."

The dialogue comes at a pivotal moment for India-U.S. relations. While the Trump administration has recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods over energy purchases from Russia and introduced significant H-1B visa fees, both nations have continued to deepen their integration in the defence and technology sectors through initiatives like the Quad.

Rubio has previously described the India-U.S. bond as a "relationship of critical importance," and Tuesday’s talk suggests an ongoing effort to navigate trade frictions while maintaining momentum in strategic areas.

With inputs from PTI