External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday described terrorism as a “shared challenge" between India and the United States as he jointly addressed the media alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following delegation-level talks in New Delhi.
The later discussions between the two sides were also expected to focus heavily on the rapidly evolving situation in the Gulf region and developments in West Asia.
Speaking at the joint press briefing, Jaishankar said the two leaders had already held extensive discussions and would continue talks over lunch, particularly on the Gulf situation.
“This is the Secretary’s first visit to India, but from his very first day in office, we have actually been in regular touch," Jaishankar said, adding that the engagement between the two sides had remained continuous through meetings in Washington, New York and other international events.
TALKS TO REVOLVE AROUND GULF DEVELOPMENTS
Jaishankar underlined that global and regional developments formed a major part of the discussions held with Rubio, especially the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf.
“Yesterday, during the Secretary’s call on the Prime Minister, some global and regional issues were discussed," Jaishankar said.
“In our subsequent meeting at the embassy, we took up developments pertaining to West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and East Asia."
He further noted that the next round of talks would specifically centre around developments in the Gulf and the Ukraine conflict.
“Our talks today over lunch will focus on the latest developments in the Gulf. A few things have happened or seem to be happening overnight, and also on the Ukraine conflict," he said.
Jaishankar also said he had shared his impressions from his recent Caribbean visit during the discussions with Rubio.
Before the joint statement, the External Affairs Minister had described the India-US relationship as a “comprehensive global strategic partnership" that impacts multiple regions across the world.
“We have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world," Jaishankar said during delegation-level talks, adding, “These are complicated times, but as strong partners, I’m very confident we’ll have very open and productive discussions."
“Our talks today over lunch will focus on the latest developments in the Gulf. A few things have happened or seem to be happening overnight, and also on the Ukraine conflict," he said.
Jaishankar also said he had shared his impressions from his recent Caribbean visit during the discussions with Rubio.
Before the joint statement, the External Affairs Minister had described the India-US relationship as a “comprehensive global strategic partnership" that impacts multiple regions across the world.
“We have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world," Jaishankar said during delegation-level talks, adding, “These are complicated times, but as strong partners, I’m very confident we’ll have very open and productive discussions."
RUBIO CALLS INDIA A KEY STRATEGIC PARTNER
Addressing the press alongside, Rubio described India as one of Washington’s most important strategic partners and stressed that the relationship extended far beyond regional concerns.
“It’s an honour to be here with all of you in this important visit to one of our most important strategic partners in the world," Rubio said.
“A strategic partnership is when your interests as two nations are aligned, and you work together strategically to solve those problems," he added.
The US Secretary of State also highlighted the democratic foundations of the relationship.
“We are the two largest democracies in the world," Rubio said, adding that democratic systems create accountability because leaders “respond directly to voters and people on a regular basis."
Rubio further said India possesses the diplomatic and economic strength to shape global events.
“There are a handful of countries in the world which have economic and diplomatic power, and India is one of them," he said. “India has the ability to influence global events."
DEFENCE, TRADE, ENERGY AND QUAD IN FOCUS
The two sides also discussed defence cooperation, trade negotiations, energy security and supply chains.
Jaishankar said the recently renewed 10-year defence partnership framework agreement figured prominently in the talks, alongside discussions on ‘Make in India’ initiatives and lessons from recent conflicts.
On trade, he said both countries were working toward concluding the interim agreement envisioned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February 2025 visit to the US.
The External Affairs Minister also stressed the importance of energy security for India’s 1.4 billion people and welcomed the expansion in India-US energy trade.
Rubio similarly stated that both countries were “aligned on energy."
Critical minerals, supply chains and nuclear cooperation were also discussed during the meeting.
Rubio additionally highlighted the significance of the Quad grouping, calling it “a form of alignment between four countries."
The US Secretary of State is on a four-day visit to India spanning Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. His visit comes ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to be hosted in New Delhi on May 26.
Source: India Today