US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday and said the relationship with India is of ‘critical importance’ for his nation.
Meeting on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, both leaders announced their intention to continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad.
A statement issued by the US Secretary of State website said: “Secretary Rubio, reiterating that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States, expressed his appreciation for the Indian government’s continued engagement on a number of issues including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship.”
After meeting Jaishankar, Rubio wrote on X: “Met with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar at UNGA. We discussed key areas of our bilateral relationship, including trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals and more to generate prosperity for India and the United States.”
The two leaders met at a time when the relationship between India and the US had reached a new low point over the US government’s decision to impose tariffs on New Delhi.
Speaking on his meeting with the American leader, Jaishankar wrote on X: “Good to meet @SecRubio this morning in New York.”
He said: “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.”
India-US Ties
The relationship between India and the US has reached a low point over the Donald Trump-led administration’s decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on India.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump also signed a petition that will impose a USD 100,000 application fee for H-1B visas.
The announcement sparked a strong reaction from the tech world, with a large number of Indian professionals applying for it every year.
