India-US Relations: Jaishankar, Marco Rubio Discuss Energy Security And Defence Cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Mumbai on Tuesday to explore ways to broaden cooperation and reinforce relations between the two countries. Their discussions covered developments across the region.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and other officials attended the meeting.

Rubio separately highlighted energy security and defence cooperation as key subjects of the discussion. He reiterated the importance of taking the India-US strategic partnership forward.

Earlier, Rubio joined Jaishankar and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan for a trilateral discussion in Mumbai.

The three Ministers considered ways to strengthen regional energy security and advance their shared economic objectives.

Rubio said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss cooperation in these areas.

Ambassador Gor pointed to the potential for closer collaboration among India, the United States and the UAE in energy, trade, technology and regional connectivity. He stressed the importance of converting strong diplomatic relationships into tangible results.

Rubio reached Mumbai on Tuesday for his second visit to India. His wife, Jeanette Rubio, accompanied him, along with Ambassador Gor.

The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the US Secretary of State and said his visit offered an opportunity to deepen engagement across the different pillars of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar received Rubio at the airport.

Rubio is scheduled to travel to Jamnagar in Gujarat after completing his meetings in Mumbai.

The US State Department said his upcoming discussions would include enhanced energy cooperation, highlighting the continued importance of energy ties in the wider India-US relationship.

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