External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday reiterated their countries' shared policy of 'zero tolerance for terrorism' during a joint press briefing in Washington DC. The statement came as part of a broader reaffirmation of the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India.
Key Areas of Cooperation Highlighted
During the press conference, both leaders outlined several areas where bilateral cooperation is expanding. Energy security emerged as a critical focus, with discussions on enhancing collaboration in renewable energy and ensuring stable energy markets. The ongoing crisis in West Asia also featured prominently, with both sides calling for de-escalation and humanitarian access.
Defence and Nuclear Programme
Defence cooperation was another major pillar of the talks. Jaishankar and Rubio emphasized the importance of joint military exercises and technology sharing. In a significant development, they also discussed the expansion of India's nuclear energy programme, with the US expressing support for India's civil nuclear ambitions under the existing bilateral framework.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
The briefing underscored the growing convergence between New Delhi and Washington on global issues. Both leaders stressed the need for a rules-based international order and closer coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. The zero-tolerance policy on terrorism was framed as a cornerstone of this partnership, reflecting shared values and security interests.
Media Interaction
Later in the day, Jaishankar and Rubio addressed reporters, taking questions on a range of topics from trade to technology. They highlighted the robust people-to-people ties and the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations. The press conference marked the latest in a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries.
This article was last updated on 24 May 2026, 07:57 IST. For more updates on US-India relations and global diplomacy, stay tuned to Bharat Horizon.
