India–US relations: What Jaishankar discussed with Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent in Washington

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met senior members of the US Cabinet in Washington on Tuesday (local time), signalling fresh momentum in the India-US strategic and economic relationship.

Jaishankar held separate meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with discussions spanning diplomacy, energy security, trade, and emerging technologies.

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Posting after his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar said: “Delighted to meet US @SecRubio this afternoon. A wide-ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues.”

He added that several pillars of the partnership were reviewed. “Facets of India – US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology,” he said, noting that both sides agreed to move quickly on follow-up engagements.

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Critical minerals, Quad cooperation and economic ties on agenda

As per a US State Department readout, the talks included steps towards formalising cooperation on critical minerals, covering exploration, mining and processing. The sector has emerged as a key area of convergence as both countries push clean energy transitions and advanced manufacturing.

The meeting took place a day after US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a trade agreement aimed at reducing barriers and expanding market access between the two countries.

Both Rubio and Jaishankar welcomed the deal, stressing the value of closer coordination between the world’s two largest democracies to unlock economic opportunities and strengthen energy security.

There was also a strong focus on regional and multilateral issues. Both leaders emphasised their commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and their commitment to expanding cooperation through the Quad.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Treasury Secretary Bessent, describing the interaction as constructive. “Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today,” he said. “Had a useful discussion on advancement of India – US economic partnership and strategic cooperation.”

Taken together, the meetings reflected the widening scope of India-US engagement, from diplomacy and security to finance and technology. Officials on both sides have said sustained coordination will be crucial to converting political intent into tangible outcomes, as New Delhi and Washington deepen ties across defence, trade and emerging sectors.