External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday. The meeting comes a day after US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal between India and the United States.
Rubio will receive Jaishankar at the US State Department on Tuesday afternoon. Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to the US from February 2 to 4.
Visit linked to critical minerals talks
During the visit, Jaishankar will take part in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. Rubio will convene the meeting on Wednesday.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Jaishankar will also meet other senior members of the US administration during his stay.
Trade deal sets the backdrop
The Jaishankar–Rubio meeting follows Trump’s announcement on Truth Social. The US president said Washington will cut the reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move in a post on X.
“Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” Modi said.
He also stressed the broader impact of closer cooperation.
“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,” Modi added.
Focus on supply chains and security
Meanwhile, the US State Department said the Critical Minerals Ministerial will bring together global delegations. The goal is to strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains.
“This historic gathering will create momentum for collaboration to secure these critical components vital to technological innovation, economic strength, and national security,” the State Department said.
Senior US leaders to attend ministerial
Several top US officials will take part in the ministerial. These include Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Global Supply Chains David Copley will also attend. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg is scheduled to be present as well.
Together, they will deliver the opening remarks at the meeting.
Bigger picture
Overall, Jaishankar’s visit signals growing engagement between India and the US. It also shows how trade, supply chains, and strategic cooperation are now moving in parallel after months of strain.