India, US Reaffirm Strategic Partnership during Jaishankar-Rubio Talks
May 24, 2026
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Marco Rubio on Sunday held wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi, reaffirming the strength of the India–United States strategic partnership and reviewing cooperation in trade, energy, mobility and regional security.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Dr Jaishankar said India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership with deep and broad-based cooperation. He noted that the relationship between the two countries has a significant global impact and that both nations have converging interests across several regions.
Highlighting key areas of engagement, Dr Jaishankar stressed the need to conclude a bilateral trade agreement at the earliest. He also welcomed the expansion of energy trade and underlined the importance of diversified energy supplies for India’s energy security.
The External Affairs Minister emphasised that people-to-people ties remain at the heart of the India-US relationship and said legal mobility should not be adversely affected. He further reiterated India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy, along with safe and unimpeded maritime commerce.
On the Iran conflict, Dr Jaishankar said both India and the United States have a strong interest in ensuring stable global energy prices and uninterrupted trade routes.
Secretary Rubio described India as one of the United States’ most important partners and said both countries are strategically aligned on major issues that will shape the new century. Referring to terrorism, he noted that both nations have suffered from the threat and continue to cooperate closely on security matters.
Rubio also highlighted growing alignment in the energy sector and said the United States is modernising its immigration system for the 21st century. Responding to a question on Iran, he indicated that positive developments could emerge in the next few hours.
The two leaders also discussed regional developments in the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific ahead of the upcoming Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
