External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Senator Steve Daines in New Delhi on Sunday and reviewed the expanding scope of India-US relations. The talks focused on strategic convergence, regional stability, and long-term cooperation.
After the meeting, Jaishankar shared his assessment on X. He said the discussion covered a wide range of issues and highlighted the strategic weight of bilateral ties.
Jaishankar described the interaction as open, substantive, and forward-looking.
A pleasure meeting Senator @SteveDaines this morning in Delhi.
A wide ranging and open discussion on our bilateral relationship and its strategic significance. pic.twitter.com/1pibQpkNSG
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 18, 2026
The engagement followed an earlier high-level phone call between Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The two leaders reviewed priority areas of cooperation and set the direction for deeper collaboration.
Jaishankar said both sides discussed trade negotiations, defence cooperation, civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and energy security. He further added that they agreed to remain in close contact to advance shared objectives.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the call as positive and productive. He said the leaders explored next steps in bilateral trade talks and examined opportunities in critical minerals.
Sergio Go also indicated the possibility of a senior-level meeting next month.
During the call, Rubio congratulated India on passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill.
The legislation strengthens India’s nuclear energy framework and opens new avenues for cooperation.
US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington wants to build on the law to deepen civil nuclear engagement. He said the US seeks to expand opportunities for American companies, strengthen energy security, and secure critical mineral supply chains.
Both sides also reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations. They reaffirmed their intent to strengthen economic ties and unlock new growth opportunities.
The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments. They reiterated a shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Ambassador Sergio Gor formally presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 14. He further thanked President Donald Trump for his trust and pledged to advance cooperation in security, trade, energy, and technology.
Gor said the India-US partnership will help shape the 21st century through trust, shared interests, and strategic alignment.
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