New Delhi: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as both nations work to stabilize ties following recent trade tensions.
The two leaders discussed strengthening strategic cooperation across key sectors, including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals.
In a post on X, Secretary Rubio highlighted the meeting’s focus on mutual growth:
“Met with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at UNGA. We discussed key areas of our bilateral relationship — trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and more — to generate prosperity for India and the United States.”
The US Department of State, in an official statement, reaffirmed India’s “critical importance” to Washington and welcomed New Delhi’s continued engagement.
“Secretary Rubio reiterated that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States,” the statement read.
“Both sides agreed to continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad.”
EAM Jaishankar also described the talks as constructive.
“Good to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning in New York. Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch,” Jaishankar posted on X.
This was the first direct interaction between the two leaders since the US imposed steep tariffs — including a 25% penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil — a move that strained trade ties. Despite recent frictions, Monday’s meeting is seen as a significant step toward stabilizing and reinforcing the strategic partnership.
The 80th session of the UNGA formally opened on September 9, 2025, with the High-Level General Debate beginning on September 23.
