NEW DELHI [India], January 14 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence, and broader energy collaboration.
In a post on X, Jaishankar described the discussion as “a good conversation,” adding that the two leaders agreed to stay in close touch on these and other issues. The call comes amid ongoing friction between New Delhi and Washington over trade negotiations and US-imposed tariffs on Indian imports, particularly related to Russian oil purchases. India currently faces 50 per cent tariffs, the steepest levied by the United States, despite ongoing talks since February last year following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Washington.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, Tommy Pigott, confirmed that Secretary Rubio congratulated India on passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill, noting its potential to expand US-India civil nuclear cooperation, enhance opportunities for American companies, and secure critical mineral supply chains.
The discussion also addressed ongoing bilateral trade negotiations and shared interest in strengthening economic ties. Both leaders exchanged perspectives on regional developments, reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the call as “positive,” highlighting talks on next steps in bilateral trade, critical minerals, and a potential follow-up meeting next month. In a post on X, Gor wrote, “A quick update: @SecRubio just concluded a positive call with @DrSJaishankar. They discussed next steps regarding our bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals, and a possible meeting next month.”
The conversation follows Gor’s earlier confirmation that the next round of trade talks was scheduled for Tuesday. He reiterated that no country is as essential to Washington as India and noted both governments are actively working to finalise a trade agreement while also cooperating on security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health.
Gor described the relationship as one “where real friends can disagree, but resolve their differences,” referencing the dynamic between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump. He also announced that India will be invited to join the US-led Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month, a move expected to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and position India as an alternative production hub.
Pax Silica, launched in 2025, is focused on secure, innovation-driven silicon supply chains and aligns with the critical minerals agenda discussed by Jaishankar. India’s eventual inclusion mirrors its participation in other initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). (ANI)
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