After meeting EAM Jaishankar, Marco Rubio declares India ‘critical’ to US

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India “critical” to American interests after meeting EAM Jaishankar, with talks covering trade, defense, energy, and the Quad, even as differences remain on tariffs and Russian oil.

New York: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that India is of “critical” value to his country and welcomed its ongoing engagement in trade, according to the State Department.

After his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, the Department said 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.”

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They “agreed the United States and India will continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad,” the readout said.

The reaffirmation of India’s importance for the US came after President Donald Trump reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to greet him on his 75th birthday, even after imposing a total of 50 per cent tariffs on India and weeks of harsh remarks.

Significantly, the meeting with Jaishankar was Rubio’s first official engagement of the day as he held a series of bilaterals with world leaders attending the high-level General Assembly session.

Jaishankar posted on X: “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.” He added they would stay in touch.

Before their talks, Jaishankar and Rubio made a cordial appearance before the media, shook hands, but declined to take questions.

Later, Jaishankar met US ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor. The State Department said on X: “They look forward to further promoting the success of the US-India relationship.” Gor, also nominated as Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, awaits Senate confirmation.

In another sign of progress in bilateral relations, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to negotiate the first tranche of a trade agreement. Sources said both sides remain hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soon.

Despite differences on trade and Russian oil purchases, the two nations share strong strategic interests, exemplified by the Quad grouping that also includes Australia and Japan.

Rubio referenced the Quad in his remarks.

After earlier calling India’s economy “dead,” Trump posted on Truth Social following his birthday call to PM Modi: “He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine.”

PM Modi responded on X: “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.”

Trade negotiations resumed earlier with a meeting in New Delhi between Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and Commerce Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, paving the way for the Goyal-Greer talks.