External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Monday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session. During the talks, both leaders emphasized the need for “sustained engagement” to advance progress on important issues.
After the meeting, Jaishankar shared an update on X. He wrote, “Good to meet @SecRubio this morning in New York. Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch.”
Good to meet @SecRubio this morning in New York.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 22, 2025
Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas.
We will remain in touch.
🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/q31vCxaWel
Significantly, this was their first in-person meeting since US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India’s purchase of Russian oil. As a result, total tariffs on India rose to 50%, sparking new tensions in trade relations.
Previous Interaction and Current Context
Previously, Jaishankar and Rubio last met in July in Washington DC during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Now, their latest talks come at a crucial time, as India and the US are actively working to finalize a trade agreement aimed at reducing friction and strengthening economic cooperation.
Trade Talks Gain Speed
Meanwhile, a high-level trade delegation led by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also reached New York on Monday. The team will meet US officials to move discussions forward and push for a quick conclusion of the trade deal.
In a statement quoted by PTI, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said, “The delegation plans to take forward the discussions with a view to achieving early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.”
Earlier, on September 16, US trade officials visited India for detailed talks. During that visit, both sides held positive discussions and agreed to intensify efforts to finalize the agreement.
Jaishankar’s Agenda at UNGA
In addition to trade talks, Jaishankar will engage in several bilateral and multilateral meetings throughout the UNGA week. He arrived in New York on Sunday to participate in the high-level session.
Moreover, he is scheduled to deliver India’s national statement at the UN General Debate on September 27 from the iconic green podium of the General Assembly.
Overall, India is actively working to strengthen ties with the US while addressing trade disputes and broader global challenges. This week’s meetings mark a key step in that direction.