EAM Jaishankar holds high-level talks with US Secy Rubio, outlines India’s 5-point strategic doctrine on global issues

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar today put forth India’s five-point position on major global and regional challenges during wide-ranging discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi, underlining New Delhi’s emphasis on diplomacy, lawful international conduct and stable economic partnerships at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Addressing a joint press briefing after delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, Jaishankar said India’s approach to ongoing conflicts and shifting global alignments is shaped by practical national interests as well as broader principles aimed at preserving stability in an increasingly fractured world order.

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The External Affairs Minister stated India’s broad position, presenting five points. He said, “First, we advocate dialogue and diplomacy to address these conflicts. Second, we support safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Third, we demand scrupulous respect for international law. Fourth, we are against the weaponisation of market shares and resources. And fifth, we believe in the value of trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to de-risk the global economy….”

Delhi: EAM Dr S. Jaishankar says, “Our discussions, which, as I said, are still ongoing, have covered a range of regional and global issues. So let me state India’s broad position, which pertains to all of them. I would like to make five points here. First, we advocate dialogue… pic.twitter.com/KK8v950U7Z

— IANS (@ians_india) May 24, 2026

India backs diplomacy over confrontation

Outlining New Delhi’s broad framework on international crises, Jaishankar said India continues to favour dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the primary route for resolving conflicts.

He emphasised that India supports uninterrupted maritime trade and believes freedom and security of commercial shipping routes remain critical for global economic stability. Stressing adherence to global norms, Jaishankar also called for strict respect for international law in handling regional disputes and international tensions.

The External Affairs Minister further cautioned against the use of economic dominance or control over resources as geopolitical tools, saying India opposes the weaponisation of market leverage and strategic supplies.

According to Jaishankar, trusted international partnerships and resilient supply chains are essential to reducing vulnerabilities in the global economy and protecting countries from disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts.

Energy security remains central to India’s priorities

A major portion of the discussions between the two sides focused on energy cooperation, with Jaishankar stating that ensuring reliable and affordable energy supplies remains a core responsibility of the Indian government.

He said the needs of India’s 1.4 billion people continue to shape the country’s energy strategy and welcomed the recent expansion in India-US energy trade.

The remarks come amid continuing global concerns over energy access, fluctuating fuel markets and supply chain disruptions linked to international conflicts and sanctions regimes.

India balancing ties across West Asia

Speaking on India’s engagement with countries in West Asia, Jaishankar said New Delhi maintains strong ties simultaneously with the United States, Israel, Iran and Gulf nations, reflecting India’s long-standing multi-alignment approach in the region.

He said India does not view its regional relationships through a confrontational or zero-sum lens and instead seeks to maintain balanced engagement with all key stakeholders while protecting its strategic and economic interests.

Jaishankar added that India’s policy decisions in the region are guided by broader principles and national priorities, especially at a time when tensions and rivalries continue to reshape the geopolitical landscape of West Asia.

Rubio’s first India visit signals deepening engagement

Jaishankar also highlighted the growing frequency of diplomatic engagement between the two countries, noting that this was Marco Rubio’s first visit to India since assuming office as US Secretary of State.

He said both leaders had remained in close contact through meetings in Washington, D.C., New York and during international engagements, including their recent interaction in France.

According to Jaishankar, the sustained dialogue between the two sides has helped advance the expanding India-US partnership across multiple sectors, including strategic cooperation, trade and energy.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the joint press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, “Secretary Rubio and I have held our bilateral talks this morning. In fact, we are midway through it, and after this presser, we’ll be going back for the rest over… pic.twitter.com/bc8TYvdyAH

— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2026