External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has arrived in New York for a crucial three-day official visit to the United States, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. On Tuesday, he is scheduled to hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, focusing primarily on cooperation in critical minerals.
This high-level meeting comes just a day after a phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which Trump announced a major trade deal with India. The development has injected fresh momentum into diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
According to official sources, Jaishankar’s itinerary from February 2 to 4 includes participation in a ministerial meeting hosted by Rubio on critical minerals. Discussions at this forum will revolve around enhancing supply chain resilience and forging strategic partnerships among participating countries.
Traveling from New York to Washington, Jaishankar is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with Rubio on Tuesday, followed by the ministerial conclave on Wednesday. He is also anticipated to address a conference attended by US Vice President JD Vance.
The bilateral agenda is set to cover a wide array of topics, including regional and global developments such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the evolving situation in the Middle East, alongside economic and strategic collaboration. Beyond the formal meetings, Jaishankar will hold consultations with other senior members of the US administration, though specifics remain undisclosed.
In recent years, India and the US have deepened their engagement on economic security issues, with critical minerals emerging as a cornerstone of this partnership. Both countries are committed to building reliable and diversified supply chains to safeguard technological innovation, economic strength, and national security.
The US State Department has welcomed the Indian delegation, emphasizing that these efforts will advance joint initiatives to fortify supply chains for these essential resources. This visit underscores the robust strategic alliance between the two democracies as they navigate global challenges together.