External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with discussions centred on energy cooperation, critical minerals and civil nuclear engagement, even as the two sides reviewed a wider set of bilateral and regional issues.
In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar described the exchange as a “good conversation”, saying the two leaders discussed “trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy”, and agreed to remain in touch on key areas of cooperation.
The US State Department said the two leaders discussed ongoing trade agreement negotiations and shared views on strengthening economic ties, while also exchanging perspectives on regional developments and reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Energy cooperation figured prominently in the talks amid India’s efforts to diversify energy supplies and deepen partnerships in critical minerals, nuclear power and hydrocarbons. Rubio congratulated India on recent legislation aimed at the sustainable development of nuclear energy and expressed interest in leveraging the move to expand US–India civil nuclear cooperation, including opportunities for American companies.
The call came as New Delhi and Washington work towards expanding bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Trade discussions have continued despite frictions following US tariffs on Indian goods and concerns linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil. Negotiations on a proposed trade agreement saw multiple rounds of talks in 2025, though progress has been slowed by differences over market access, particularly in agriculture and dairy.
