India, US discuss trade, minerals, defence & energy in latest talks between Jaishankar and Rubio

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said he spoke with US secretary of state Marco Rubio, during which the two discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy.

He said both sides agreed to stay in touch on these issues.

Describing it as a “good conversation” in his post on X, Jaishankar said the two leaders discussed the five areas listed and agreed to maintain ongoing contact.



This comes a day after US envoy to India Sergio Gor confirmed next talks scheduled for today.

Sergio Gor had recently said no country is as essential for Washington as India and indicated that both sides are working to firm up a trade deal.

Gor, in his arrival speech in New Delhi, said both governments are actively engaged in finalising a trade agreement, while also working together on security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education and health. He described the relationship as one where “real friends can disagree, but resolve their differences,” referring to the equation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

He also announced that India will be invited to join the Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month. The US-led initiative aims to build a secure and innovation-driven silicon supply chain, aligning with the ongoing focus on critical minerals mentioned by Jaishankar in his post.