External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and United States Secretary & National Security Advisor Marco Rubio held a conversation over the phone call discussing bilateral trade negotiations, including critical minerals, defence, nuclear cooperation, and energy. These talks are being held after US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor expressed a desire to improve the strained bond between the two countries through a conciliatory note in Delhi, and is expecting a possible meeting next month.
The major topic of discussion is trade negotiation, but it is important not to underestimate the others, including minerals, nuclear, defence, and energy, for both Washington and Delhi to improve these issues for a productive partnership.
However, it is not disclosed whether they will meet during a bilateral visit or on the sidelines of a multilateral event, including the AI impact summit in Delhi next month. Both the leaders described the conversation signalling as ‘positive call’ or ‘good conversation’.
“Just concluded a good conversation with @SecRubio. Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy. Agreed to remain in touch on these and other issues,” in a post on X, Jaishankar noted.
Sergio Gor also posted on his X account after a few minutes, stating, “A quick update: @SecRubio Just concluded a positive call with @DrSJaishankar. They discussed next steps regarding our bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals and a possible meeting next month.”
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Both leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional developments and India’s promises to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Gor said that India would be invited to the US-led strategic initiatives, Pax Silica.
