External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Washington with senior United States officials following the recent announcement of a trade understanding between India and the US.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, defence, technology, and supply chains, as both sides seek to expand the scope of their strategic partnership.
Meetings with US Leadership
Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as part of his official engagements. According to officials, the talks were wide-ranging and covered both bilateral and global issues.
Areas discussed included trade facilitation, energy cooperation, defence collaboration, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and emerging technologies.
Context of Trade Announcement
The meetings followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a new trade understanding between the two countries. The announcement referred to a reduction in US tariffs on Indian goods to around 18 per cent and reciprocal market access measures.
US officials have indicated that the arrangement also includes commitments for increased Indian purchases of American goods and deeper cooperation in energy sourcing. Indian authorities have stated that discussions are ongoing and that details will be clarified through formal channels.
India’s Official Position
Indian officials have maintained that the focus of the engagement is on building long-term economic partnerships and ensuring resilient supply chains, while safeguarding domestic interests.
Jaishankar described the discussions as productive and useful, emphasising the importance of aligning economic and strategic priorities between the two countries.
Delighted to meet US @SecRubio this afternoon.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 3, 2026
A wide ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues.
Facets of India - US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and… pic.twitter.com/1rbXJHgEQY
Reactions and Debate
The trade announcement and subsequent diplomatic engagements have triggered debate in India. Some critics have raised concerns about potential impacts on agriculture and domestic producers.
Supporters of the engagement argue that expanded access to the US market could benefit Indian exporters and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
Strategic Partnership Focus
Officials on both sides highlighted the importance of cooperation in critical minerals and technology supply chains, particularly amid global disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.
Defence and energy security were also identified as key pillars of the evolving partnership.
Next Steps
Government sources indicated that discussions between India and the US will continue through established diplomatic and trade mechanisms to finalise specific commitments and timelines.
Further announcements are expected as negotiations progress.
