Jaishankar, Rubio declares India ‘critical’ to US after meet on H1B visa fee hike

By Anjali Sharma

UNITED NATIONS –External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s on Tuesday met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York indicated an effort to steady bilateral relations after discussed the trade tensions and H-1B visa fee hike concerns.

Jaishankar posted on X, “Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas”.

He added that they would stay in touch.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to negotiate the first tranche of a trade agreement between the two sides, in another sign of movement between the two countries’ attempts to reset their relations, according to the sources.

Both sides remained hopeful of reaching an interim understanding soon, the sources added.

Jaishankar and Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to deepening India-US ties and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region through the Quad during the meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-level Week in New York.

The meeting underscored the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship and the shared vision for regional stability.

This interaction between Jaishankar and Rubio was important as it was the first face-to-face interaction between Mr Jaishankar and Mr Rubio since relations between New Delhi and Washington came under strain over trade tariffs and India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Rubio also conveyed his gratitude to India for its ongoing involvement in a variety of matters, such as trade, energy and critical minerals.

US State Department’s Office of the Spokesperson in a read out stated “Secretary Rubio, reiterating that India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States, expressed his appreciation for the Indian government’s continued engagement on a number of issues, including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other items related to the bilateral relationship,”.

Both agreed to continue collaboration through the Quad framework to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

“Secretary Rubio and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar agreed the United States and India will continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad,” it added.