Explained: What Jaishankar Discussed With Rubio and Bessent Ahead of US Critical Minerals Meet

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on a three day visit to the United States from February 2 to 4, held a series of high level meetings in Washington focused on trade, critical minerals, economic security and the broader India-US strategic partnership, ahead of the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial scheduled for February 4.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, where the two leaders discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining and processing.

According to Jaishankar, the talks covered several facets of the India-US strategic partnership, including trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology.

Rubio, Jaishankar Welcome India-US Trade Deal

A readout issued by US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio and Jaishankar welcomed the India-US trade deal reached between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The two leaders emphasized the importance of our democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance our shared energy security goals,” the statement said.

The readout added that both leaders committed to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, noting that “a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests.”

The Quad comprises the United States, India, Japan and Australia.

Rubio also shared details of the meeting on X, saying, “Met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to discuss our bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration and work together to unlock new economic opportunities between our two countries. We also commended the trade deal between the United States and India.”

Jaishankar’s meeting with Rubio came a day after President Trump announced on Truth Social that India and the US had agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, effective immediately.

The agreement followed a telephone conversation between Trump and Modi on February 2.

Jaishankar welcomed the deal, stating, “Welcome the announcements on bilateral trade following the conversation between PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. This will create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. It will strengthen 'Make in India' endeavours and encourage trusted technology ties. The opportunities in our economic engagement are truly vast and we are confident of realising them. A robust economic relationship is the strongest foundation for our strategic partnership.”

Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the agreement, posting on X, “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the world's largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump's leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights.”

Jaishankar Meets Treasury Secretary Bessent to Discuss Economic Ties

During his visit, Jaishankar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, where discussions focused on advancing the India US economic partnership, strategic cooperation and supply chain security.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. Had a useful discussion on advancement of India - US economic partnership and strategic cooperation.”

Bessent, in his own post, said, “Enjoyed today's meeting with Minister S Jaishankar of India. During our talks, we addressed the importance of securing supply chains, as well as other national and economic security issues of mutual interest.”

The meetings took place ahead of the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, which the United States is hosting in Washington DC on February 4.

According to a prior notice issued by the Office of the Spokesperson of the US State Department, the ministerial will bring together delegations from over 50 countries to advance collaboration on securing and diversifying global critical mineral supply chains.

Critical Minerals Meet to Focus on Supply Chains

The gathering will focus on building reliable and resilient supply chains essential for technological innovation, economic growth, national security and the energy transition.

Secretary Rubio will chair the ministerial, which will begin with opening remarks by US Vice President JD Vance, Rubio and other senior US officials.

The event has been described as a historic effort to build collective momentum for cooperation on critical minerals that are critical to technological leadership and economic security.

Jaishankar’s visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said earlier, also includes meetings with senior members of the US administration as India and the United States seek to deepen cooperation across trade, critical minerals and strategic domains.

(With inputs from ANI)