External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on Thursday, underscoring continued momentum in India–US strategic ties.

Landau is visiting India from March 3 to 6 to represent the United States at the annual geopolitical conference and to advance President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy priorities. According to the US State Department, his engagements include discussions with senior Indian officials on strengthening defense cooperation, securing critical mineral supply chains, and expanding collaboration on counternarcotics.

Talks also focused on deepening commercial and economic ties, including improving market access for American businesses and reinforcing supply chain resilience. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region — a central pillar of their strategic partnership.

The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship forum on geopolitics and geo-economics, opened Thursday in New Delhi. Organized by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the three-day conference brings together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and media representatives to address pressing global challenges.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Landau comes amid progress on bilateral trade negotiations. Last month, India and the United States announced a framework for an interim reciprocal trade agreement aimed at delivering early gains while advancing negotiations toward a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement. The framework seeks to promote balanced and mutually beneficial trade while strengthening economic resilience.

Negotiations for the broader trade pact were launched on February 13, 2025, following discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interim arrangement is designed to reduce trade barriers and expand opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Prime Minister Modi also held a telephonic conversation with President Trump last month, expressing support for US leadership on global peace and stability. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to elevating the India–US partnership to new heights through strategic cooperation, economic engagement, and shared democratic values.

The latest diplomatic engagement signals sustained efforts by both nations to reinforce defense collaboration, trade integration, and Indo-Pacific stability amid evolving global challenges.