His remarks come after a media report alleged that NSA Doval visited the United States in September 2025 to hold talks for improving strained ties between India and US.
‘No such meeting or visit took place’: MEA dismisses reports claiming NSA Doval met US Secy Rubio last year. (Photo: ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday today dismissed reports claiming that National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last year amid trade talks between the two countries.
Clarifying all queries related to such reports, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Regarding the report by Bloomberg, there is absolutely no basis for that report. No such meeting or no such visit has taken place.”
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He was addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
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His remarks come after a media report alleged that NSA Doval visited the United States in September 2025 to hold talks for improving strained ties between India and US.
The media report further claimed that India had conveyed to the United States that it is willing to wait to finalise a trade deal until the official term of the US President Donald Trump ends. MEA has denied all claims.
In the same briefing, MEA Spokesperson responded to the media queries on the India-US trade deal.
He mentioned about the call that was held between PM Modi and US President Trump two days back, saying that the Prime Minister noted that made in India products will now be exported to United States at a reduced tariff of 18% and thanked President Trump for the reduction in reciprocal tariff, during the call.
He added, “This trade agreement will give a major boost to our exports to the United States. It will be a major boost to the labour-intensive industries here in India, create new job opportunities, growth and prosperity for our people.”
Notably, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met and held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier today during his visit to Washington.
He confirmed that the historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detail, with completion expected very soon.
In a post on X, the EAM said, “Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality. The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident.”
US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor today said that Jaishankar’s talks with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, represented “limitless potential.”
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