On Monday, September 22, 2025, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York. This was their first face-to-face interaction since the imposition of additional tariffs by the United States on India. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Jaishankar and Rubio had previously met in Washington, D.C., in July during the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. They also held discussions earlier in January of this year.

The timing of these bilateral talks coincides with ongoing discussions between India and the US, aimed at reaching a trade agreement soon. A delegation led by Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal is also scheduled to meet with the American side in New York. According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this delegation intends to advance discussions to achieve a mutually beneficial trade agreement promptly.

Tensions in the US-India bilateral relationship have been growing recently. The US has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, including a 25% punitive levy related to New Delhi's purchases of Russian crude oil.

Adding to the strain, President Trump issued a proclamation introducing changes to the H-1B visa program, which includes a $100,000 fee on H-1B applications, effective September 21, 2025. This significant increase from the current $2,000-$5,000 range has sparked concerns among companies, startups, and immigration lawyers, who fear it could severely impact Indian IT professionals and small businesses. Attorneys have advised H-1B holders and their families outside the US to return before the deadline to avoid being stranded.

Jaishankar posted on X, stating that their conversation covered various bilateral and international issues. He also emphasized the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas and that they would remain in touch.