Rubio Highlights India’s Central Role In US Strategy After Talks With EAM Jaishankar

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscores India’s central place in Washington’s foreign policy after meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New York.

A State Department note confirms Rubio’s appreciation for India’s involvement in defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and trade.

Both leaders agree to keep working on a free and open Indo-Pacific through the Quad alliance alongside Australia and Japan.

Rubio begins his series of bilateral sessions at the UN General Assembly by hosting Jaishankar, signalling the importance of the relationship.

The two appear before the press with a handshake but avoid answering questions.

Jaishankar later posts on X that they discuss a wide range of bilateral and global issues and commit to sustained engagement on priority areas.

“Pleased to meet EU Foreign Ministers at their informal meeting today in New York. Thank EU HRVP @kajakallas for hosting me. An opportunity to have open exchange of views on multilateralism, India-EU partnership, Ukraine conflict, Gaza, energy and trade,” HE POSTED.

Wider Diplomatic Moves Signal Reset

Jaishankar also meets US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor, nominated to serve as Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, whose appointment awaits Senate approval.

The State Department posts that it looks forward to deepening the partnership under his tenure.

At the commercial level, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal holds talks in New York with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the first stage of a bilateral trade agreement.

Officials remain hopeful of reaching an interim understanding after preparatory talks in New Delhi between Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and Commerce Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

Rubio’s remarks come as President Donald Trump, who recently imposed steep tariffs and criticised India’s economy, sends birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praises his efforts on global issues.

PM Modi replies on X that he is committed to elevating the India–US Comprehensive and Global Partnership.

Taking to X, he posted, “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”

Despite disagreements on trade and Russian oil, both nations keep finding common ground on strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific.

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