Jaishankar, Rubio commit to strengthening ties via Quad, welcome trade deal

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday (local time) committed to expand "bilateral and multilateral cooperation" through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) during their meeting ahead of the Critical Minerals Ministerial and welcomed the recently announced India-US trade deal, in which Washington reduced the tariff on Indian goods to 18 per cent.

According to a readout from the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, EAM Jaishankar and Secretary Rubio discussed formalising cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing and also emphasised the importance of the two democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance shared energy security goals.

"The Secretary and External Affairs Minister discussed formalizing bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing. Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders emphasized the importance of our democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance our shared energy security goals," the readout stated.

Both leaders also called for a "prosperous Indo-Pacific region", crucial for promoting shared interests.

"Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar concluded their meeting by expressing their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad. They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests," the readout added.

The Quad comprises the United States, Australia, Japan, and India as partner countries.

EAM Jaishankar met with Rubio as part of an ongoing three-day visit to the United States, during which he is participating in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial on February 4.

The United States is set to host the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC, bringing together delegations from over 50 countries to advance collaboration on securing and diversifying global critical mineral supply chains, according to a prior notice issued by the Office of the Spokesperson of the US State Department.

Following his meeting, EAM Jaishankar, in a post on X, said that he was "delighted" to meet with Rubio, stating that both sides held conversations that covered the India-US "bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues".

"Delighted to meet US Secretary Rubio this afternoon. A wide-ranging conversation covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues. Facets of India-US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals, and technology. Agreed on early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests," EAM said in his post.

Secretary Rubio also shared on X, stating, "Met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to discuss our bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration and work together to unlock new economic opportunities between our two countries. We also commended the trade deal between the United States and India.   EAM Jaishankar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC. 

In a post on X, EAM said he held discussions with the US Treasury Secretary to advance the India-US economic partnership and strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries.

"Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. Had a useful discussion on advancement of India - US economic partnership and strategic cooperation," the External Affairs Minister said in his post.

The EAM visit comes on the backdrop of the India-US trade deal, announced on Monday following a telephone discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, under which Washington has agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, effective immediately.

Following the announcement, Jaishankar welcomed the trade deal, saying that the agreement will boost job creation, spur economic growth, promote innovation, and strengthen India's flagship 'Make in India' initiative.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar hailed the announcement, stating, "Welcome the announcements on bilateral trade following the conversation between PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. This will create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. It will strengthen 'Make in India' endeavours and encourage trusted technology ties. The opportunities in our economic engagement are truly vast and we are confident of realising them. A robust economic relationship is the strongest foundation for our strategic partnership.