Amidst ongoing tensions concerning tariffs, trade, and the H-1B visa between India and the United States, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with US Senator Marco Rubio. Following the meeting, Rubio emphasized that India remains a crucial partner for Washington. The meeting took place in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. In an official briefing, Rubio highlighted the special importance of the relationship with New Delhi for the United States, a sentiment echoed by former US President Trump in previous statements. Discussions between the two top diplomats covered various aspects of India-US bilateral relations, including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, according to the US Department of State. Foreign Minister Jaishankar, in a post on X, noted that the meeting with Rubio involved discussions on several bilateral and international issues of current concern. They agreed on the importance of continued cooperation to advance priority areas, and that they would remain in contact. Recent actions by the Trump administration have strained trade relations between India and the US. Trump imposed a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil, subsequently increasing US tariffs on India to 50%. Trump explained the decision as an attempt to pressure Russia and its allies to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine. India, on the other hand, has consistently expressed its support for a ceasefire. Despite negative comments regarding India-Russia relations from White House officials like Peter Navarro, both Donald Trump and PM Modi have announced their closeness in statements and said that both countries would restart trade talks.
