Washington: External affairs minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently held a productive discussion, welcoming advances in a bilateral trade deal while delving into energy, nuclear cooperation, defence, and critical minerals. The January 2026 call, described as “good” by Jaishankar on X, signals deepening strategic ties amid ambitious goals to double trade to $500 billion by 2030.
According to reports, the leaders reviewed ongoing bilateral trade negotiations, with Rubio highlighting next steps and a potential meeting soon. US envoy Sergio Gor called it a “positive” exchange, noting focus on economic cooperation to narrow the trade gap. India has committed to boosting US energy and defence imports, following last year’s stalled talks that pressured the rupee.
The talks stressed on supply chain resilience for critical minerals like lithium and rare earths, vital for clean energy transitions. Jaishankar’s February 2-4, 2026, US visit includes Rubio’s critical minerals ministerial, inviting over 50 nations and India’s full membership in the Pax Silica alliance for silicon security. This aligns with global diversification efforts away from China-dominated chains.
Rubio congratulated India on the SHANTI Bill, enabling limited private nuclear participation under regulation. The US eyes expanded civil nuclear ties, American firm opportunities, and joint energy security. Topics also covered clean energy and shared Indo-Pacific goals.
Reports said defence emerged as a key pillar, with pledges for enhanced equipment sales and regional stability. The talks reflect Trump’s administration prioritizing India as an essential partner.
