In a significant diplomatic engagement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held crucial talks with top US officials in Washington DC, with energy security and critical minerals emerging as focal points of the discussions. This meeting followed the recent announcement of a trade deal between India and the United States, setting the stage for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
High-Level Meetings in Washington
Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, where they warmly welcomed the newly forged trade pact. The conversations, which took place early Wednesday India time, delved deeply into the multifaceted aspects of the India-US Strategic Partnership, emphasizing shared interests in trade, energy, nuclear affairs, defence, critical minerals, and technology.
Focus on Energy Security and Oil Dynamics
The issue of energy security gained prominence in the talks, particularly in light of recent statements by President Donald Trump regarding India's oil purchases. Trump has indicated that India will cease buying Russian oil and instead turn to US and Venezuelan sources to meet its energy needs. While India has not officially commented on this announcement, data shows a decline in its purchases of Russian oil since the imposition of a punitive 25 per cent US tariff.
This shift underscores the evolving energy landscape and the strategic importance of diversifying supply chains. Jaishankar and the US officials acknowledged the critical role of energy security in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic stability.
Critical Minerals and Economic Opportunities
During the meeting with Secretary Rubio, both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing. They emphasized the potential to unlock new economic opportunities through joint efforts in this sector. Rubio highlighted the importance of working together to advance shared interests, while Jaishankar outlined India's initiatives, such as the National Critical Minerals Mission and Rare Earth Corridors, aimed at enhancing resilience and responsible commerce.
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott noted that the discussions included formalizing cooperation on critical minerals, with a focus on de-risking supply chains and addressing challenges of excessive concentration in global markets.
Trade Deal and Multilateral Cooperation
The trade deal between India and the US was a key topic, with both sides commending the agreement that lowers tariffs and fosters better economic relations. Jaishankar and Rubio expressed their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly through the Quad framework. They acknowledged the vital role of a prosperous Indo-Pacific region in advancing shared interests, with India expected to host the Quad leaders' summit this year.
Economic Partnership and Strategic Dialogue
In his meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Jaishankar engaged in a useful discussion on advancing the India-US economic partnership and strategic cooperation. Bessent addressed the importance of securing supply chains and other national and economic security issues of mutual interest. Notably, Bessent had previously been critical of India's oil purchases from Russia, highlighting tensions that the new trade dynamics aim to alleviate.
India's Initiatives and Global Engagement
Later in the day, Jaishankar spoke at the inaugural critical minerals ministerial meeting, where he underlined the challenges of excessive concentration in supply chains and advocated for de-risking through structured international cooperation. He conveyed India's support for the FORGE initiative on critical minerals, aligning with US efforts to strengthen and diversify global supply chains.
These talks in Washington mark a pivotal moment in India-US relations, as both nations navigate complex geopolitical and economic landscapes. By focusing on energy security, critical minerals, and trade, they are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and cooperative partnership in the years to come.
