This was the US Secretary of State's first bilateral meeting after assumption of office in the Trump administration
Highlighting the importance the US attaches to its bilateral relationship with India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Washington DC on Tuesday (January 21, 2025) for what was his first bilateral engagement since assuming office in the Donald Trump administration hours earlier.

During their meeting, EAM Jaishankar and Secretary Rubio expressed their commitment to deepen the partnership between the United States and India, including by exploring opportunities in areas like critical and emerging technologies, defence cooperation, and energy.

EAM Jaishankar also met US National Security Advisor Waltz and discussed steps to further strengthen bilateral cooperation through an active and result-oriented agenda.

“Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State.

Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate. 

Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues.

Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation,” EAM Jaishankar said on social media platform X. 

The bilateral meeting was preceded by the first Quad ministerial meet after Trump became President.

EAM Jaishankar was in Washington at the invitation of the US Government to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States on Monday (January 20, 2025).

State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Secretary of State Rubio and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar affirmed a shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India. 

According to the Spokesperson, they discussed a wide range of topics, including regional issues and opportunities to further deepen the U.S.-India relationship, in particular on critical and emerging technologies, defense cooperation, energy, and on advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region. 

“Secretary Rubio also emphasized the Trump Administration’s desire to work with India to advance economic ties and address concerns related to irregular migration,” the State Department Spokesperson added.

In his meeting with US NSA Waltz, EAM Jaishankar discussed strengthening India-US ties to enhance global stability and prosperity.

EAM Jaishankar shared information about the meeting through a post on X. “Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon. Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity. Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome oriented agenda,” he said.