‘India, US not just allies, but strategic allies’: Marco Rubio after talks with Jaishankar

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 24 described India and the United States as “strategic allies” after holding delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi.

Speaking during the meeting, Rubio said the relationship between the two countries was among the “most important partnerships in the world” and stressed that Washington viewed India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

The talks, held at Hyderabad House in the national capital, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across defence, trade, energy, technology and regional security.

Focus on strategic partnership and Indo-Pacific

The meeting comes at a time when both countries are attempting to deepen cooperation despite recent strains linked to trade disputes, tariffs and differences over India’s energy imports from Russia.

India and the US have increasingly expanded cooperation through forums such as the Quad grouping, which includes India, United States, Japan and Australia, with a major focus on Indo-Pacific security and countering regional instability.

Rubio’s visit is also being viewed as part of broader efforts by Washington to stabilise ties with New Delhi after recent disagreements over tariffs, strategic autonomy and US outreach toward Pakistan.

Defence, energy and technology cooperation discussed

According to reports, the discussions covered key sectors including defence cooperation, critical minerals, clean energy, technology partnerships and nuclear collaboration.

India and the US have significantly expanded defence ties over the past decade through joint military exercises, arms agreements and strategic technology partnerships. The two countries are also increasing cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and clean energy initiatives.

Rubio also emphasised energy cooperation during the visit, with reports indicating that Washington is encouraging India to diversify its energy imports amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions.

PM Modi also meets Rubio

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Rubio during the visit and later said India and the US would continue to work closely for “global good”.

According to reports, Rubio conveyed an invitation from US President Donald Trump for Modi to visit the White House in the coming months.

The visit marks Rubio’s first official trip to India as US Secretary of State and comes amid continued efforts by both countries to strengthen what they describe as a “Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership”.