DH NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, Sept 23
Amid trade tensions and H-1B visa fee hike concerns, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York indicated an effort to steady bilateral relations.
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”.
In another sign of movement in the two countries’ attempts to reset their relations, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to negotiate the first tranche of a trade agreement between the two sides, sources told a news agency.
Both sides remained hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soon, the sources added.
Jaishankar and Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to deepening India-US ties and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region through the Quad during the meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Week in New York.
The meeting that was held on Monday (local time) underscored the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and the shared vision for regional stability. This interaction between Jaishankar and Rubio was important as it was the first face-to-face interaction between Mr Jaishankar and Mr Rubio since relations between New Delhi and Washington came under strain over trade tariffs and India’s purchase of Russian oil. Rubio also conveyed his gratitude to India for its ongoing involvement in a variety of matters, such as trade, energy and critical minerals.
“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,” stated a readout from the US State Department’s Office of the Spokesperson.
The two leaders agreed to continue collaboration through the Quad framework to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
“Secretary Rubio and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar agreed the United States and India will continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad,” it added.
