Jaishankar, Rubio Welcome India-US Trade Deal; Strengthen Ties on Energy, Defence, Nuclear and Critical Minerals
- KR Bharat
- 2026-02-04
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the India–US trade deal and held wide-ranging talks in Washington DC, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key strategic sectors. The discussions covered trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defence, technology, and critical minerals, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two democracies.
Both leaders agreed to formalise cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing, aiming to strengthen supply chains essential for technological innovation, economic growth, and national security. They also emphasised the importance of energy security and expanding economic opportunities between India and the United States.
The meeting reaffirmed commitment to regional and global cooperation, particularly through the Quad alliance, highlighting the shared vision for a stable, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. The talks took place ahead of the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial being convened by the US, where global delegations will collaborate to diversify and secure critical mineral supply chains.
This high-level engagement marks a significant step in advancing the India–US Strategic Partnership across economic, geopolitical, and security dimensions.
