External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held key meetings with top US officials in Washington, marking another high point in deepening India–US strategic and economic cooperation.

Jaishankar met separately with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, covering a wide spectrum of bilateral, regional, and global issues.

After his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar described their conversation as “wide-ranging,” touching on trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defence, critical minerals, and advanced technology. Both sides agreed to accelerate follow-up engagements through existing bilateral mechanisms to ensure tangible outcomes.

According to a US State Department statement, the two leaders discussed formalising cooperation on critical minerals — including exploration, mining, and processing — a sector increasingly central to clean energy supply chains and high-tech manufacturing.

The talks came a day after President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new trade deal aimed at lowering tariffs, reducing barriers, and expanding market access between the two democracies. Both Rubio and Jaishankar welcomed the agreement, describing it as a step toward stronger economic ties and shared energy security goals.

The discussion also reinforced cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), with both leaders emphasising the importance of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier the same day, Jaishankar met Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, calling their interaction “productive.” The two discussed ways to strengthen financial, investment, and strategic linkages between India and the United States.

These back-to-back meetings underline the broadening scope of India–US engagement, spanning diplomacy, defence, finance, trade, and technology. Senior officials on both sides have stressed the need for closer inter-agency coordination to translate political momentum into real economic and strategic gains.

With critical minerals, clean energy, and emerging technologies at the centre of their partnership, New Delhi and Washington continue to position their relationship as a cornerstone of their respective foreign policies in an increasingly competitive global landscape.