New York: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that India holds “critical” importance for the United States and welcomed its ongoing engagement in trade, according to the State Department.
Following his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday, Rubio “reiterated that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States” and “expressed appreciation for the Indian government’s continued engagement on a range of issues, including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other aspects of the bilateral relationship,” the Department said in a readout.
The two leaders “agreed that the United States and India will continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad,” it added.
The reaffirmation of India’s strategic significance comes after US President Donald Trump reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him on his 75th birthday, despite earlier imposing 50% tariffs on India and issuing critical statements about the country.
Significantly, the meeting with Jaishankar was Rubio’s first official engagement of the day as he meets world leaders in New York for 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,” adding that they would stay in touch.
Before entering the conference room, the two leaders appeared cordially for the media, shaking hands but declining to answer questions. Later, Jaishankar met with the US ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor.
The State Department said on X that both sides “look forward to further promoting the success of the U.S.-India relationship.” Gor will also serve as Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, with his appointment pending Senate approval.
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 told IANS. Both sides remain hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soon.
Despite differences on trade and Russian oil purchases, India and the US share strong strategic interests, exemplified by the Quad—a four-nation group including Australia and Japan focused on the Indo-Pacific. Rubio referenced the Quad during his discussions.
Following earlier criticism of India, Trump posted on Truth Social after his birthday call with Modi: “He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine.” Modi replied on X, “Like you, I am fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.”
Bilateral trade negotiations have resumed, with a prior 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 in New York.
