Jaishankar, Rubio welcome commerce deal; talk about vitality, nuclear, defence, important minerals

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 important 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 Essential Minerals Ministerial assembly being convened by the U.S. on Wednesday (February 4, 2026).

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

“Aspects of India-U.S. Strategic Partnership mentioned included commerce, vitality, nuclear, defence, important minerals and expertise. Agreed on the early conferences of assorted mechanisms to advance our shared pursuits,” he wrote.

A readout of the bilateral assembly supplied by State Division Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott mentioned 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 vitality safety targets.”

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

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

Throughout the go to, he can even maintain conferences with senior members of the U.S. administration, the Ministry of Exterior Affairs had mentioned.

The assembly between Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Rubio got here a day after Trump introduced on Reality Social that India and the U.S. agreed to a commerce deal beneath which Washington will deliver down reciprocal tariff on Delhi from 25 to 18%.

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

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

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