Following the recent trade agreement between India and the United States, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington D.C. on February 3, 2026, to discuss further collaboration across various sectors. A key focus of the discussion was the formalization of bilateral cooperation in critical minerals, exploration, mining, and processing.
The meeting occurred against the backdrop of a newly announced trade deal between the two nations, a development both leaders welcomed. Under this agreement, the U.S. will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. Jaishankar hailed the deal as a catalyst for job creation, economic growth, innovation, and the strengthening of India's "Make in India" initiative. He emphasized the vast opportunities for economic engagement between the two countries and expressed confidence in their realization.
Rubio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of cooperation in critical minerals exploration and the unlocking of new economic opportunities. He also acknowledged the trade agreement as a significant stride forward in bilateral relations.
The discussions extended beyond trade and minerals to encompass a wide array of topics, including regional and global issues, trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defense, and technology. Both sides committed to holding early meetings of various institutional mechanisms to advance shared interests.
The focus on critical minerals during Jaishankar's visit underscores the growing strategic importance of securing supply chains for these resources. Critical minerals are essential for various sectors, including defense, technology manufacturing, and clean energy transitions. The U.S. State Department has expressed intentions to mobilize international partners to fortify supply chains for these vital resources. As part of these efforts, the United States is hosting its first Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington D.C. on February 4, 2026, bringing together officials from over 50 countries to enhance cooperation in securing and diversifying global supply chains for key minerals. Rubio is expected to chair the ministerial, with participation from delegations representing over 50 nations. The gathering is considered a landmark effort to build momentum for cooperation on securing critical minerals vital for technological innovation, economic growth, and national security.
In addition to his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar also engaged with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss the advancement of the India-U.S. economic partnership and strategic cooperation. These talks were described as crucial to operationalizing the new economic agreement between the two countries.
The strengthening of India-U.S. ties comes amid growing concerns over reliance on specific nations for mineral supplies. US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that approximately 30 countries are interested in joining a coalition aimed at reducing dependence on China for mineral supplies, with at least 20 more expressing strong interest.
Jaishankar's visit to the U.S. signals a deepening of the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. The focus on critical minerals, coupled with the recent trade deal, indicates a concerted effort to enhance cooperation in key sectors and build resilient supply chains.