New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Thursday to discuss a deepening strategic partnership in defence and trade, just days before a high-stakes diplomatic mission to Washington.

In a meeting held in the national capital, the two officials reviewed a broad bilateral agenda that includes critical minerals and regional security.

"Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership," Jaishankar said in a post on X. "Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India - US relations."

Ambassador Gor, who presented his credentials earlier this month, described the dialogue as "highly substantive."

"We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defence, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more!" Gor wrote on social media.

The meeting serves as a prelude to Jaishankar's visit to the United States next week. He is scheduled to participate in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial on Feb 4, an event hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The US State Department has characterised the ministerial as a vital effort to secure "reliable, resilient critical mineral supply chains" necessary for national security, technological dominance, and the global energy transition.

The diplomatic flurry follows a Sunday meeting between Jaishankar, Ambassador Gor, and a bipartisan US congressional delegation that included Reps. Mike Rogers of Alabama, Adam Smith of Washington, and Jimmy Patronis of Florida. Those talks touched on the Indo-Pacific and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Gor noted that the earlier session was "productive" and aimed at boosting security cooperation and expanding trade. Earlier this week, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also held discussions with Ambassador Gor and US Senator Steve Daines to further coordinate on the bilateral relationship.

With inputs from ANI