External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined India's comprehensive five-point approach to strengthening bilateral relations with the United States during his joint press briefing with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. As reported by World News, Jaishankar emphasized that 'We advocate dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts. Two, we support safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Three, we demand scrupulous respect for international law. Four, we are against the weaponisation of market shares and resources. And five, we believe in the value of trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to de-risk the global economy'. The EAM noted that 'This is the Secretary's first visit to India, but ever since he has assumed office, we have been in regular touch' with continuous engagement facilitating broad-based cooperation between the two nations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that US-India energy trade has seen an uptick in recent months, welcoming the growing cooperation between the two nations. Speaking at a joint press briefing with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar stated that 'We (Jaishankar and Rubio) spent some time today discussing energy issues, and as you are all aware, our government's fundamental responsibility is to address the needs of 1.4 billion people'. He emphasized that 'Ensuring the accessibility and affordability of energy for them is our prime objective' while noting that both countries have a 'very strong interest in ensuring globally energy prices are kept low'. According to World News reports, the comments come despite earlier sanctions imposed by the US on India for purchasing Russian oil, highlighting the resilience of bilateral energy cooperation. Jaishankar further noted that 'Diversified supplies are at the heart of energy security for India' and welcomed the expansion in energy trade between the two nations.
Jaishankar outlined significant progress in bilateral economic cooperation, stating that 'On the economic front, we spoke about the value of concluding at an early date, the final text of the interim agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade'. As reported by World News, he explained that 'This will be an important step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, which was envisaged during Prime Minister Modi's visit in February 2025'. The EAM highlighted that 'We devoted some time to nuclear energy cooperation as well. The passage of the Shanti Act has opened up new possibilities' with an American delegation recently visiting India. He noted that 'An American delegation was recently in India. We hope to realise the potential of cooperation in the nuclear domain' and raised regulatory issues with the Secretary regarding the American side.
Beyond energy cooperation, both leaders discussed broader strategic partnerships including civil nuclear cooperation and emerging technologies. According to World News reports, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of cooperation on critical minerals and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. He noted that 'All of you know the importance of critical minerals. Our two nations have been cooperating bilaterally in the Quad format and also as a like-minded group', with India having joined the Pax Silica initiative and being part of the Forge initiative. Referring to the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi in February, he said the event had demonstrated the 'enormous potential' of the India-US relationship, with India 'naturally encouraging our businesses dealing with AI'. The EAM also mentioned that 'We discussed the importance of taking into account the 'Make in India' approach and lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward in the defence domain'.
On defence cooperation, Jaishankar highlighted the recently renewed 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement between India and the United States, along with the signing of a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap. As reported by World News, he noted that 'We discussed the importance of taking into account the 'Make in India' approach and lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward in the defence domain'. The discussions also touched on strategic cooperation under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue framework, with Jaishankar confirming that the Quad had originally begun during President Donald Trump's first administration. Looking ahead, Jaishankar said the Indo-Pacific region would become increasingly important due to growing trade and maritime activity, with 'Two days from now you will see us on the podium talking about Quad'. The EAM's remarks came in response to questions on energy procurement and the evolving policy framework under the Trump administration.
