India-US ties: Jaishankar, Rubio discuss trade, defence and nuclear cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday spoke with his US counterpart Marco Rubio and discussed a wide range of issues including trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy.

”Just concluded a good conversation with @SecRubio. Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy,” Jaishankar posted on X. “Agreed to remain in touch on these and other issues.”

In a readout of the call, the United States Department of State said Rubio congratulated India on enacting the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill.

The Bill enables limited private participation in the nuclear sector under regulatory oversight.

The US Secretary expressed interest in capitalising on the development to enhance civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries, expand opportunities for American companies, advance shared energy security goals and secure critical mineral supply chains, the readout said.

Rubio and Jaishankar also discussed ongoing negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement and shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation.

They exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States and India to a free and open Indo-Pacific, it added.

The conversation came amid no immediate breakthrough in sight on the proposed trade deal.

Earlier on Monday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the two countries continue to actively engage on the proposed agreement.

Addressing a gathering at the US Embassy after assuming charge, Gor said the next round of talks on the trade pact would take place on Tuesday.

“Both sides continue to actively engage. In fact, the next call on trade will occur tomorrow,” he said, while acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations.

“India is the world’s largest nation, so it’s not an easy task to get this across the finish line, but we are together,” Gor said.

He added that India and the United States would continue to work closely across critical areas including security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education and health.