Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is currently visiting the United States. On Tuesday, he held significant meetings with US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, concentrating on strengthening partnerships between India and the US in trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defense, critical minerals, and technology sectors. His visit comes right after the announcement of a major trade agreement with India by US President Donald Trump, following discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under this agreement, the reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods by the US have been reduced from 25% to 18%, taking immediate effect. Jaishankar's visit commenced with a meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, seen as a crucial step in implementing the new economic deal. The discussions between Besant and Jaishankar were pivotal in detailing the trade agreement. Post-meeting, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar shared on social media platform 'X' that the talks were beneficial in advancing economic partnerships and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Strategic Discussions with Rubio
Subsequently, Jaishankar met with US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio. According to his social media post, bilateral cooperation, regional, and global issues were discussed. The conversation covered trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defense, critical minerals, and technology, which are key pillars of the India-US strategic partnership. Rubio welcomed the meeting, emphasizing the goal of enhancing collaboration in critical minerals and opening new economic opportunities. He described the India-US trade agreement as a significant step in bilateral relations.
Tariff Reductions Bring Relief to Indian Exporters
The reduction in reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US is expected to benefit Indian exporters significantly, especially in the manufacturing, pharma, and renewable energy sectors. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar described this trade agreement with the US as a move that supports job creation, economic growth, and reinforces the 'Make in India' initiative. Cooperation on critical minerals was a central theme of Jaishankar's meetings in Washington.
