Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Monday to discuss a wide range of bilateral and international issues, marking their first face-to-face meeting since the Donald Trump administration imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports as a “penalty” for India’s purchase of Russian oil, and days after the US increased the H-1B visa fee to $100,000.
Sources described the hour-long meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as “positive” and candid. Both leaders agreed to maintain sustained engagement to make progress on priority areas of mutual interest.
In a post on X, Jaishankar noted:
“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.”
First Meeting Since July
This was Jaishankar and Rubio’s first face-to-face meeting since July, when they met in Washington, DC, during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Given the developments over the past few months, including the recent spike in tariffs and visa fees, the agenda was extensive. The meeting sought to establish a political understanding that could support ongoing trade negotiations.
The much-anticipated India-US trade deal, which had nearly been finalized, fell through at the last minute. Political-level discussions, such as this meeting, are intended to give momentum to technical negotiations, which are being led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal along with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Engagements with US Officials
Jaishankar also met US Ambassador nominee Sergio Gor, who is also the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. The US State Department posted on X:
“US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and Ambassador Nominee to India Sergio Gor met with India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. They look forward to further promoting the success of the US-India relationship.”
These meetings follow a phone conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 16, during which Trump called to congratulate Modi on his 75th birthday. Earlier that day, India and the visiting US delegation had conducted day-long trade talks, later described by both sides as “positive.”
The Modi-Trump conversation was the first since the bilateral chill that began last month following the US tariff hike. Both leaders discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Modi reaffirmed his commitment to elevating the India-US partnership to new heights.
Background of India-US Engagements
The previous phone call between Modi and Trump was on June 17, when Modi had contradicted Trump’s claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and linking it to trade talks.
Signs of a potential thaw emerged on September 6, when Trump described the bilateral relationship as “special” and urged that there was “nothing to worry about.” Modi responded positively, expressing deep appreciation for Trump’s sentiments.
By September 10, Trump hinted at easing trade tensions, stating that India and the US were “continuing negotiations to address trade barriers,” and he was “certain” the talks would succeed. Modi responded that both nations are “natural partners” and would work together toward a prosperous and brighter future.
Progress on Trade Negotiations
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that as Goyal engages with US counterparts this week, discussions are expected to advance toward an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Positive discussions were held during the September 16 US visit, and efforts to intensify talks were agreed upon.
Other Bilateral Meetings
Jaishankar arrived in New York on Sunday for high-level UNGA engagements, beginning with a bilateral meeting with the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa P. Lazaro.
Jaishankar said:
“We followed up on the recent State visit of President @bongbongmarcos to India. Also discussed our cooperation in the UN and the Indo-Pacific region.”
Lazaro highlighted that the discussion reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries, covering areas such as political cooperation, defence, security, and maritime domain.
UNGA Engagements
During the UNGA session, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold several bilateral and multilateral meetings and will deliver India’s national statement at the General Debate on September 27.
Originally, Prime Minister Modi was to address the UNGA on September 26, but plans were adjusted due to the temporary chill in India-US relations.
Trump is scheduled to address the UNGA on September 23, his first speech at the UN during his second term, which will be closely watched by capitals globally, including New Delhi.
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