India and US Focus on Trade, Energy, and Critical Minerals
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to discuss various aspects of the India-U.S. strategic partnership. The meeting took place ahead of the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by the U.S. on Wednesday.
Jaishankar described the discussions as wide-ranging, encompassing trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defense, critical minerals, and technology. Both leaders welcomed the trade deal between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Key Discussion Points
- Trade Deal: Jaishankar and Rubio welcomed the trade agreement between the U.S. and India, which includes Washington lowering tariffs on Indian goods to 18%.
- Critical Minerals: They discussed formalizing bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing. This collaboration aims to reduce reliance on China and strengthen supply chains.
- Energy Security: Both leaders emphasized the importance of democracies working together to unlock economic opportunities and advance shared energy security goals.
- Quad Cooperation: Jaishankar and Rubio expressed their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad.
Critical Minerals Ministerial
The U.S. is hosting its first Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, with delegations from over 50 countries expected to participate. The ministerial aims to strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains.
Other Discussions
Jaishankar also met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss advancing the India-U.S. economic partnership and strengthening strategic cooperation.
Conclusion
The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio signals a deepening strategic partnership between India and the U.S., with a focus on trade, critical minerals, and energy security. Both countries are committed to expanding cooperation through various mechanisms, including the Quad.
