EAM Jaishankar, Marco Rubio discuss ways to formalise critical mineral ties

New Delhi: External affairs minister S Jaishankar met US secretary of state Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday and discussed formalising bilateral partnership on critical minerals exploration, mining and processing.

Several facets of the strategic partnership were covered during the discussions, including trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology, he said.

Jaishankar said in a post on X that both leaders agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance shared interests of the two countries.


According to a statement issued by principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio and Jaishankar welcomed the trade deal reached between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The two leaders emphasised the importance of our democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance our shared energy security goals," the statement said.

The meeting took place a day after the announcement of the trade deal, under which the US will reduce the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18% from 25% and do away with the additional 25% penalty imposed for purchasing Russian oil.

Jaishankar also met US treasury secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to the US. He was scheduled to participate in the inaugural critical minerals meet. "Pleased to meet US treasury secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. Had a useful discussion on advancement of India - US economic partnership and strategic cooperation," he said.