US Secretary Marco Rubio Meets Jaishankar Amid India-US Tensions

In a significant development amidst recent trade tensions between India and the United States, India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in the United States to attend a session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). After landing in the United States, S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which were deemed significant for a variety of reasons, including recent tensions between the two countries. Here's everything you need to know about the latest developments in India-US relations.

Key Highlights

• They reaffirmed sustained engagement, focusing on trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals.
• Rubio called India a “relationship of critical importance,” despite tensions over H-1B visa fees and US tariffs.

What was decided at the recent meeting between India and the US?

After meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "reiterated that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States" and "expressed his appreciation for the Indian government's continued engagement on a number of issues including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship," according to a readout of their meeting.

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India and the US agree on a free and open Indo-Pacific region

According to the statement, both countries "agreed that the United States and India would continue to work together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad."

The reaffirmation of India's importance to the US comes after US President Donald Trump greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, following the imposition of a total of 50% tariffs on India and weeks of harsh statements about the country.