External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, DC, after the announcement of the historic India-US trade deal.
Jaishankar and Rubio welcomed the agreement reached between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration and mining. Both leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening the India-US Strategic Partnership across trade, energy, nuclear, defence, and technology.
Delighted to meet US @SecRubio this afternoon.
A wide ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues.
Facets of India – US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and… pic.twitter.com/1rbXJHgEQY
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 3, 2026
Met with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to discuss our bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration and work together to unlock new economic opportunities between our two countries. We also commended the trade deal between the United States and India. pic.twitter.com/Wji6P3v5ZE
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 3, 2026
On Wednesday, Jaishankar met Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. They focused on advancing bilateral economic partnership and strategic cooperation. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the meeting, noting the progress in securing supply chains and addressing national and economic security issues. Bessent emphasised the shared interest in resilient supply chains and economic stability.
Jaishankar also attended the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting convened by Rubio. Ahead of the meeting, Rubio and Jaishankar held bilateral talks at the State Department. Rubio stated that both countries aim to unlock new economic opportunities by working together on critical minerals exploration.
Jaishankar underscored the importance of democracies collaborating to advance shared energy security goals. He agreed with Rubio on early meetings of various mechanisms to push forward common interests. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in strategic sectors and strengthening the India-US partnership.
The India-US trade deal ended months of stalemate caused by tariff disputes. The agreement now opens new avenues for collaboration in critical minerals, energy, and economic growth. Jaishankar’s meetings in Washington DC mark a significant step in deepening bilateral ties.
