Jaishankar, Rubio welcome commerce deal; talk about power, nuclear, defence, crucial minerals – Imperial Wire

Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio “welcomed” the commerce deal reached between U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and mentioned “formalising” bilateral cooperation on crucial minerals exploration and mining throughout their assembly in Washington DC on Tuesday (February 3, 2026).

Mr. Rubio held bilateral discussions with Mr. Jaishankar on the State Division, forward of the inaugural Vital Minerals Ministerial assembly being convened by the U.S. on Wednesday (February 4, 2026).

“Delighted to satisfy US @SecRubio this afternoon. A large ranging dialog that coated our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and international points,” Mr. Jaishankar posted on X after the assembly.

“Sides of India-U.S. Strategic Partnership mentioned included commerce, power, nuclear, defence, crucial minerals and know-how. Agreed on the early conferences of varied mechanisms to advance our shared pursuits,” he wrote.

A readout of the bilateral assembly offered by State Division Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that Mr. Rubio and Mr. Jaishankar “welcomed the commerce deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. The 2 leaders emphasised the significance of our democracies working collectively to unlock new financial alternatives and advance our shared power safety targets.”

Mr. Pigott additional stated that Mr. Rubio and Mr. Jaishankar “mentioned formalising bilateral cooperation on crucial minerals exploration, mining and processing.” Mr. Rubio and Mr. Jaishankar “concluded their assembly by expressing their dedication to increasing bilateral and multilateral cooperation via the Quad. They acknowledged {that a} affluent Indo-Pacific area stays important to advancing our shared pursuits,” the readout stated, referring to the four-nation grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S.

In an X submit, Mr. Rubio stated he met with Mr. Jaishankar to “talk about our bilateral cooperation on crucial minerals exploration and work collectively to unlock new financial alternatives between our two international locations. We additionally recommended the commerce deal between the USA and India.” Mr. Jaishankar is on a go to to the USA from February 2-4 and can take part within the Vital Minerals Ministerial being convened by Mr. Rubio.

EAM discusses financial partnership, strategic cooperation U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent

Mr. Jaishankar additionally met U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and held a dialogue on advancing bilateral financial partnership and strategic cooperation.

“Happy to satisfy U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC in the present day. Had a helpful dialogue on development of India-US financial partnership and strategic cooperation,” Mr. Jaishankar stated in an X submit on Tuesday.

In a submit, Mr. Bessent stated he loved his assembly with Mr. Jaishankar. “Throughout our talks, we addressed the significance of securing provide chains, in addition to different nationwide and financial safety problems with mutual curiosity,” he stated.

Mr. Bessent had been crucial of India’s purchases of Russian oil. Final week, within the wake of the free commerce settlement between India and the European Union, he had described the Europeans as “very disappointing”, stating they have been unwilling to affix Washington in placing tariffs on New Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil due to this commerce deal.

“The US sanctioned or put a 25% tariff on India for purchasing the Russian oil. The Europeans have been unwilling to affix us and it seems as a result of they wished to do that commerce deal. So, each time you hear a European speak in regards to the significance of the Ukrainian folks, keep in mind that they put commerce forward of the Ukrainian folks. Commerce — European commerce — extra essential than ending the warfare in Ukraine,” Mr. Bessent had stated.

Mr. Jaishankar’s conferences with Mr. Bessent and Mr. Rubio got here a day after Mr. Trump introduced on Reality Social that India and the U.S. agreed to a commerce deal below which Washington will carry down reciprocal tariff on Delhi from 25 to 18%.

On the inaugural Vital Minerals Ministerial, the U.S. will welcome delegations to advance collective efforts to strengthen and diversify crucial minerals provide chains.

“This historic gathering will create momentum for collaboration to safe these crucial parts important to technological innovation, financial energy, and nationwide safety,” the State Division has stated.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Rubio, Particular Assistant to the President of the USA and Senior Director for International Provide Chains David Copley, and Below Secretary of State for Financial Affairs Jacob Helberg will ship opening remarks on the ministerial.