‘Agreed to remain in touch’: Jaishankar holds talks with Rubio on trade, defence and energy cooperation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence, and energy cooperation. The talks come as India and the US approach the first phase of a long-awaited trade deal, with negotiations reportedly in final stages. India continues to face US tariffs of up to 50 percent despite ongoing trade discussions since February last year.