Washington: A day after the announcement of the highly anticipated trade deal between India and the US, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington and  discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing

In a post on X, the Foreign Minister said that both leaders agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests.

Met with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar 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. pic.twitter.com/Wji6P3v5ZE

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio)

What was discussed at meeting

Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the US, held discussions on several facets of the India-US strategic partnership, including trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology, during the meeting.

According to a statement issued by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio and Jaishankar welcomed the India-US trade deal reached between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Met with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar 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. pic.twitter.com/Wji6P3v5ZE

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio)

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

“Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar concluded their meeting by expressing their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad. They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests,” the statement added.

Jaishankar, who is in Washington from January 2 to 4, also met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and had a “useful discussion” on advancing economic partnership and strategic cooperation.

Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. @SecScottBessent

Had a useful discussion on advancement of India – US economic partnership and strategic cooperation.

🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tfNMpTT8wH

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar)

India-US trade deal

India and the US agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will cut the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the current 25 per cent, President Trump said on Monday after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Modi. The US has also scrapped the additional 25 per cent tariff imposed on India over its purchase of Russian oil.