US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently had a phone conversation with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. They reviewed various areas of cooperation, including civil nuclear energy, trade discussions, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar mentioned that they talked about trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defense, and energy, and agreed to stay connected on these matters and more.
During the call, Rubio praised India for passing the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill. This legislation is a significant part of India’s nuclear energy framework. The United States is keen on leveraging this law to enhance civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations. Rubio expressed interest in using this opportunity to strengthen cooperation, create more opportunities for American businesses, work towards common energy security objectives, and ensure the security of critical mineral supply chains.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor characterized the call as positive. He mentioned that they discussed the next steps in their bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals, and the possibility of a meeting in the coming month. The diplomats also talked about the ongoing trade agreement discussions and their mutual interest in boosting economic collaboration. Additionally, they shared their perspectives on regional developments, emphasizing the commitment of both countries to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
