External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to undertake an official visit to the United States next week, as reported by ANI on Wednesday, citing informed sources. This diplomatic engagement follows a significant telephone conversation between Minister Jaishankar and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on January 13th.
Focus on Bilateral Trade and Civil Nuclear Cooperation
The January 13th discussion between the two top diplomats centered on ongoing bilateral trade negotiations and explored potential avenues to expand cooperation in the crucial civil nuclear sector. US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, subsequently highlighted that the leaders also deliberated on the possibility of arranging an in-person meeting in February, underscoring the momentum in high-level engagements.
Critical Minerals Ministerial: A Key Agenda Point
The timing of the visit is noteworthy as it aligns with a major international initiative led by the United States. Earlier this month, the US Department of State announced the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, scheduled for February 4th and to be chaired by Secretary Rubio.
The ministerial aims to convene international partners to bolster cooperation on global critical mineral supply chains. In a post on social media platform X, the State Department emphasized that strengthening these supply chains with international allies is vital to America's economic and national security, technological leadership, and a resilient energy future.
The official statement read, “On February 4, Secretary Rubio will welcome partners from across the globe to the State Department for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. Strengthening critical mineral supply chains with our international partners is vital to America's economic and national security, technological leadership, and a resilient energy future.”
Parallel Efforts on Supply Chain Security
In a related development earlier this month, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened a high-level Finance Ministerial in Washington D.C. This gathering focused on exploring strategies to secure and diversify global supply chains for critical minerals, with particular emphasis on rare-earth elements. The meeting was prompted by growing international concerns over supply vulnerabilities.
According to the US Department of the Treasury, the meeting included participation from finance ministers and senior officials from major global economies, including:
- Australia
- Canada
- European Union
- France
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
India's representation at this ministerial was led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who holds the portfolios for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology.
Strengthening Defence Ties
Concurrently, defence cooperation between the two nations continues to advance. A US Congressional delegation, led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, recently met with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The meeting, held on January 27th, focused on exploring ways to enhance defence cooperation under the recently signed 10-year Major Defence Partnership Framework Agreement. According to the Ministry of Defence, the discussions were extensive, covering the strengthening of defence industry collaboration and the advancement of bilateral military ties.
The Ministry stated on X, “US Congressional Delegation led by Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Mike Rogers met Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh today. They had wide ranging discussions including the recently concluded 10-year Major Defence Partnership Framework Agreement with emphasis on strengthening cooperation in the field of defence industry.”
Minister Jaishankar's upcoming visit to the United States is therefore poised to address a multifaceted agenda, encompassing critical economic, energy, and strategic pillars of the India-US relationship, building upon recent high-level dialogues and ministerial engagements.
