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Marco Rubio Calls India One of America’s Most Important Partners
S. Jaishankar and Marco Rubio held extensive discussions in New Delhi on strengthening the India-US strategic partnership, with focus areas including trade, energy security, mobility, counter-terrorism and regional developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.
S. Jaishankar and Marco Rubio on Sunday held wide-ranging talks in New Delhi, reaffirming the strength of the India-US strategic partnership and discussing cooperation across key sectors including trade, energy, mobility and regional security.
During the discussions, Dr Jaishankar described the India-US relationship as a comprehensive global strategic partnership marked by deep and broad-based cooperation. He said the ties between the two countries influence not only bilateral relations but also developments across several regions of the world.
The External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of concluding a trade agreement at the earliest and welcomed the expansion of energy trade between the two nations. He emphasised that diversified energy supplies are critical for India’s energy security amid global geopolitical uncertainties.
Dr Jaishankar also highlighted the significance of people-to-people ties and said that legal mobility should not be adversely affected. On regional issues, he reiterated India’s position in favour of dialogue, diplomacy and safe, unimpeded maritime commerce. Referring to the Iran conflict, he stated that both India and the United States have a strong interest in ensuring stable global energy prices and uninterrupted trade routes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described India as one of the United States’ most important global partners and said the two democracies are strategically aligned on major issues that will shape the new century. He noted that both countries have faced the challenge of terrorism and share common interests on energy and regional security matters.
Responding to questions from the media, Rubio said the United States is modernising its immigration system for the 21st century. On Iran, he hinted at possible positive developments in the coming hours, signalling progress in diplomatic engagement.
The leaders also discussed regional developments in the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific ahead of the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for May 26.
The meeting will bring together Dr Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review progress on Quad initiatives and discuss cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
