External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to begin a significant three-day visit to the United States from February 2 to 4, marking another important phase in deepening India–US strategic cooperation. The visit comes at a time when both nations are strengthening collaboration in critical minerals, clean energy, supply chains, and Indo-Pacific security, reflecting the growing convergence of their geopolitical and economic interests.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The high-level meeting is expected to bring together key partner countries to discuss supply chain resilience, diversification of critical mineral sources, and sustainable clean energy transitions. These discussions are particularly crucial as global demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements continues to rise due to their importance in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced electronics.

India and the US have been actively working to reduce dependence on China-dominated mineral supply chains and develop alternative partnerships. New Delhi has already signed critical minerals agreements with several countries, and collaboration with Washington is seen as a strategic move to secure access to vital resources while promoting responsible mining and processing.

Beyond the ministerial meeting, Jaishankar is expected to hold separate engagements with senior members of the US administration to review bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, technology, energy, and regional security. These interactions will also build on recent high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.

Last week, Jaishankar met newly appointed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi, discussing multiple aspects of India–US relations. He welcomed Gor and expressed confidence that the ambassador would play a key role in strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting signaled a smooth transition in diplomatic engagement and reaffirmed mutual commitment to deepening cooperation.

Earlier, on January 25, Jaishankar held discussions with a visiting US Congressional delegation that included Mike Rogers, Adam Smith, and Jimmy Patronis, alongside Ambassador Gor. The talks covered key issues such as strategic developments in the Indo-Pacific, evolving security challenges, and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of regular congressional engagement, calling it a vital pillar of the India–US relationship.

Additionally, on January 13, Jaishankar had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which both sides reviewed progress in civil nuclear cooperation, bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals collaboration, and regional security coordination. Ambassador Gor later described the conversation as constructive and forward-looking.

India and the US have significantly expanded their strategic partnership in recent years, with growing defense cooperation, technology collaboration, and economic integration. The two countries share common interests in ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region amid increasing geopolitical competition.

Jaishankar’s visit is expected to further strengthen this partnership by advancing dialogue on clean energy transition, resilient supply chains, and strategic coordination. As India positions itself as a key global player in manufacturing, digital innovation, and energy transformation, collaboration with the United States remains central to its economic and geopolitical strategy.

With critical minerals emerging as a new frontier of global competition, Jaishankar’s participation in the ministerial underscores India’s commitment to playing a leading role in shaping secure and sustainable supply chains while deepening its strategic ties with Washington.