External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday, marking the latter’s first bilateral engagement since assuming office under the Trump 2.0 administration. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the Quad meeting, reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership and addressing regional and global challenges.
Dr Jaishankar shared his impressions of the meeting, noting that the Trump administration had shown a keen interest in having India involved in key initiatives. “It was very clear that the Trump administration was keen to have India present at the inaugural itself. They’re clearly prioritizing the bilateral relationship,” he said. The Minister pointed out that the first Trump administration had contributed significantly to building the relationship, with key initiatives from President Trump and Prime Minister Modi laying a strong foundation that has continued to evolve over time.
Dr Jaishankar also highlighted the emphasis placed on the Quad, stating, “A very strong sense that the current administration would reciprocate our desire as well to take the Quad further, to intensify its activities.” This reflects a shared commitment to furthering regional cooperation and security in the Indo-Pacific.
The Minister expressed confidence in the robust trust between India and the US, calling it a reflection of a “very high level of convergence” in the two nations’ interests. “We have a very strong degree of trust today between India and the United States, and there is a lot of good that we can do together on regional and global issues,” he said. He stressed that the discussions revealed a mutual desire to be bolder, bigger, and more ambitious in shaping the future of their partnership.
While the talks remained broad, with a focus on overarching goals, both sides agreed on the need for greater ambition in their bilateral relations. “We need to be bolder, bigger, and more ambitious,” Dr Jaishankar added, reflecting a shared vision to propel the relationship to new heights.
The meeting further emphasized the US-India relationship’s growing importance, with a focus on defense, emerging technologies, and the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. As India continues to enhance its strategic partnership with the United States, both leaders underscored the critical role of collaboration in addressing regional and global challenges.
The Indian American community, with its growing influence, plays a crucial role in strengthening these ties, particularly as five individuals of Indian origin currently serve in the US Congress, demonstrating their integration and active contribution to shaping US-India relations.