‘US- India aren't just allies’: Rubio-Jaishankar talks focus on defence, trade deal, critical minerals, Hormuz & Indo-Pacific

Rubio described the partnership as already "very solid and strong," dismissing notions of merely restoring or energising ties.

The United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on an India visit, held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minsiter (EAM) S Jaishankar at hyderabad House in New Delhi on Sunday. During his remarks at the meeting, Rubio said, ‘India and the US are not just allies but strategic partners. He also emphasised that the relationship extends beyond region and have global effects including the Western Hemisphere.

Addressing External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar during the delegation-level meeting, Rubio highlighted the strength of the partnership. "It has already been a fantastic first day. We're looking forward to our visits and our talks today and learning more about the country," he said.

"As you've highlighted, the United States and India aren't just allies; we're strategic allies, and that's of critical importance," Rubio added. He noted that while the US works with countries worldwide on emerging issues, the relationship with India stands apart due to its strategic nature and potential for cooperation beyond any single region, including in the Western Hemisphere,” said Rubio.

In his remarks, Rubio also underscored the shared democratic values between the two countries. "We are the two largest democracies in the world, and so that alone is a baseline for incredible cooperation. We have so many common interests that it makes all the sense in the world for us to continue to build upon," he stated.

Rubio described the partnership as already "very solid and strong," dismissing notions of merely restoring or reinvigorating ties. "This is about continuing to build on what is already a very solid and strong strategic partnership. One of the most important ones that we have, and one of the most important ones in the world," he said, quotes ANI.

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to deepen India-US cooperation across defence, technology, trade, and regional security.

Both sides are expected to discuss a range of bilateral and global issues during Rubio's visit.

The comments reflect the continued momentum in what EAM S Jaishankar describes as a ‘comprehensive global strategic partnership.’

 “A very deep, very broad-based cooperation and a relationship that impacts and influences other regions and the world, that is because we have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world. ” Jaishankar added.

Also Read: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets PM Modi; invites him to White House

Key points of Rubio-Jaishankar bilateral talks

EAM S jaishankar and US Secretary of State Mraco Rubio adressed a joint press breifing, detailing about the bilateral discussions held between the two leaders, stressing on India-US Comprehensive strategic partnership, key points of discussion included:

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar outlined several concrete areas of discussion:

Defence and Security Cooperation: "Where defence and security cooperation is concerned, you're all aware that the 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement was recently renewed. A comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap was also signed. 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," said EAM.

Trade and Economic Ties: EAM S Jaishankarsaid, "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. This will be an important step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, which was envisaged during Prime Minister Modi's visit in February 2025. We had a team recently in Washington, and our expectation is that an American team will be visiting India soon for that purpose."

Energy Security and Nuclear Cooperation: "We spent some time today discussing energy issues... Ensuring the accessibility and affordability of energy for them 1.4 billion people is our prime objective. Secretary and I therefore welcome the expansion in our energy trade in recent months. Diversified supplies are at the heart of energy security for India. We devoted some time to nuclear energy cooperation as well. The passage of the Shanti Act has opened up new possibilities. An American delegation was recently in India. We hope to realise the potential of cooperation in the nuclear domain, added EAM.

Jaishankar also mentioned raising certain regulatory issues on the American side. He described the overall ties as a "comprehensive global strategic partnership," which means "a very deep, very broad-based cooperation and a relationship that impacts and influences other regions and the world... That is because we have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world."

Indo-Pacific: The two sides discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, with the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting on the agenda. Rubio and Jaishankar underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, respect for international law, and resilient supply chains in the region.

West Asia and Strait of Hormuz: The talks also mentioned of developments in West Asia, including the Gulf region. Talks covered security in the Strait of Hormuz and broader stability in the area, reflecting shared concerns over maritime commerce and regional tensions.

Critical mineral supply chain: Both leaders addressed cooperation on critical minerals, including exploration, mining, and processing, to build resilient and diversified supply chains.

Terrorism: Rubio and Jaishankar reaffirmed strong cooperation against terrorism. Rubio noted that both the countries have been victimof terrorism 'directly' or 'indirectly' which outomatically aliggns them.

Innovation, technology: Discussions highlighted deepening collaboration in innovation, technology, and related domains as part of the broader strategic partnership, which Rubio noted 'comes with its own challenges.'

Immigration: Adressing the changing migration laws in the US, Marco Rubio said, "First of all, I accept the contribution that Indians have made to the U.S. economy. Over $20 billion has been invested in the U.S. economy by Indian companies. We want that number to continue to increase... The changes that are happening now, or the modernisation of our migration system into the United States, are not India-specific; it is global... We are in a period of modernisation. We've had a migratory crisis... Everything that you do as a country needs to be in your national interest, and that includes your immigration policy... It is not a system that is targeted at India; it is one that's being applied globally... we're in a period of transition... But we think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system."

US Secretary of State also spoke on the shared democratic ethos, "I have to go back and justify to the American people every decision we make... In democracies, you have opposition parties. You have a free and open media... But that begins to align our interests immediately, because we both recognise and have mutual respect and understanding that every decision we make... we ultimately have to go back and justify it to our voters," he added. 

Rubio’s maiden India visit

Marco Rubio’s maiden is on his maiden visit to India as US Secretary of State is at a very crucial time when both New Delhi and Washington are working to repair and strengthen bilateral ties strained in recent months over trade issues, including US tariffs, and differing approaches on regional matters.

On May 23, Rubio made a stop in Kolkata, where he visited the Mother House and headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity.

Also Read: QUAD at crossroads: Will it write a new era of Indo-Pacific or fade into irrelevance?

He has also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The itinerary includes visits to Agra and Jaipur, alongside high-level talks focused on defence, trade, energy security, technology, supply chains, and regional security.

Rubio will also participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting on May 26.

The partnership is seen as one of the most important globally, with discussions aimed at deepening cooperation amid complex international challenges.