EAM Jaishankar’s US visit in the works following talks with Marco Rubio

EAM Jaishankar’s US visit in the works following talks with Marco Rubio

• Jaishankar and Rubio coordinate for a US visit amid stalled trade deal talks
• India faces steep US tariffs, pushing urgency in trade negotiations
• US-India aim to boost civil nuclear cooperation and secure mineral supply chains

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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are actively coordinating efforts to organise a visit to the United States next month, amid ongoing discussions over a stalled trade deal, according to a report by Economic Times. The talks come as India faces steep US tariffs of up to 50%, highlighting the urgency of advancing bilateral trade negotiations.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, Tommy Pigott, confirmed that Rubio congratulated India on enacting the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill.

Rubio expressed interest in leveraging this development to boost US-India civil nuclear cooperation, create opportunities for American companies, strengthen energy security, and secure critical mineral supply chains.

Pigott added that the two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, while emphasising the shared interest in deepening economic cooperation and advancing the stalled trade agreement.

In addition, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, highlighted ongoing trade discussions. In a post on X, he said, “Many of you have asked me for an update on the ongoing trade deal negotiations. Both sides continue to actively engage. In fact, the next call on trade will occur tomorrow.”

Ambassador Gor further stressed the resilience of the US-India partnership, noting, “Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences in the end.” His remarks underline the administration’s intent to maintain open channels for dialogue while pursuing shared economic and strategic priorities, including critical minerals and potential collaboration under initiatives such as Pax Silica.

The discussions between Jaishankar and Rubio, along with Gor’s engagement, signal renewed momentum in India-US trade relations and set the stage for the upcoming round of talks aimed at resolving longstanding issues and advancing bilateral economic cooperation.