India and the United States continue to view their relationship as critically important, despite recent trade frictions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday, September 22, 2025, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, emphasizing India's crucial role in Washington's foreign policy. Discussions during the meeting included trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, even with existing tensions related to tariffs and visa fees.
Rubio acknowledged the strain that trade measures have placed on relations with India. The Trump administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, including a 25% punitive charge related to New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil, effectively doubling the overall tariffs to 50%. In addition, the White House recently introduced changes to the H-1B visa program, requiring applicants to pay an annual fee of $100,000 starting September 21, 2025, which could disrupt the movement of Indian IT professionals and pose challenges for small businesses and startups.
Despite these challenges, both sides signaled a willingness to push trade talks forward. Rubio indicated that the Trump administration may consider easing the additional tariffs imposed on India for its Russian oil purchases. He stated that Washington's priority remained ending the war in Ukraine but recognized the strain that trade measures have put on relations with India. He also criticized European nations for not doing enough to reduce their reliance on Russian energy.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, leading a delegation to the U.S., met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to advance discussions on a bilateral trade agreement. Indian officials are expected to ask U.S. trade negotiators to ease access for skilled workers.
Both Rubio and Jaishankar reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region through the Quad. They agreed that the United States and India will continue working together to promote this vision. Jaishankar noted that their conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues and agreed on the importance of sustained engagement.
The U.S. State Department provided a readout of the meeting, with Rubio reiterating that "India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States". He also expressed appreciation for the Indian government's continued engagement on various issues related to the bilateral relationship.
