External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a productive telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, focusing on pivotal aspects of bilateral ties.

The discussion covered trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence, and energy, as confirmed by Jaishankar in a post on X. Both leaders expressed commitment to sustaining dialogue on these fronts amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Jaishankar described the exchange as a "good conversation," highlighting the mutual intent to advance cooperation. Rubio, in turn, congratulated India on the recent enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill. This legislation opens avenues for enhanced US-India civil nuclear collaboration, benefiting American firms and bolstering shared energy security.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, Tommy Pigott, elaborated on the call's outcomes. He noted discussions on ongoing bilateral trade negotiations and a shared vision for economic synergy. The leaders also shared views on regional developments, reaffirming dedication to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The conversation occurs against a backdrop of tensions over US tariffs on Indian goods, currently at a steep 50 per cent. These measures stem partly from India's purchases of Russian oil, imposed by President Donald Trump. Negotiations have been underway since February last year, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inaugural visit to Washington.

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, characterised the call as "positive" via a post on X. He outlined talks on next steps in trade negotiations, critical minerals, and a potential meeting next month. Gor had previously confirmed that the subsequent round of discussions was slated for Wednesday.

Gor has repeatedly underscored India's centrality to US interests, stating no nation matters more to Washington. He highlighted active efforts to seal a trade agreement, alongside cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health. In his recent New Delhi arrival remarks, Gor portrayed the partnership as one where true allies air disagreements yet resolve them amicably, invoking the Modi-Trump rapport.

A notable development from Gor's statements is India's impending full membership in the Pax Silica alliance next month. This US-led initiative seeks to forge a secure, innovation-centric silicon supply chain, directly aligning with the critical minerals emphasis in Jaishankar's readout. Pax Silica targets AI and supply chain resilience, urging allies to synchronise on dependable technology and economic frameworks.

India's exclusion from the inaugural Pax Silica Summit in 2025 had sparked domestic political backlash. Inclusion now promises to invigorate India's semiconductor sector, establishing it as a viable alternative manufacturing base. Analysts draw parallels to India's later entry into the Minerals Security Partnership, suggesting a phased integration strategy.

The Jaishankar-Rubio dialogue underscores resilience in Indo-US relations despite trade frictions. It signals momentum towards resolving tariff disputes and harnessing synergies in high-stakes domains like nuclear energy and minerals. With a prospective in-person summit looming, both capitals appear poised to deepen strategic alignment.

Critical minerals emerge as a linchpin, vital for semiconductors, batteries, and defence technologies. India's accession to Pax Silica could mitigate vulnerabilities in global supply chains, countering dominance by adversarial players. This move complements broader US efforts to diversify away from China-centric networks.

Defence cooperation, another focal point, builds on established platforms like the Quad and iCET. Nuclear energy talks gain traction post the new Indian bill, potentially unlocking US reactor exports and fuel supplies under relaxed norms. Trade negotiations, meanwhile, aim to balance tariffs with market access gains for both sides.

Regional perspectives exchanged during the call reflect shared concerns over Indo-Pacific stability. This includes countering assertive postures in the South China Sea and ensuring navigational freedoms. India's Russian oil imports, a tariff flashpoint, highlight the complexities of multipolar diplomacy.

Ambassador Gor's optimism frames the relationship as pragmatic and forward-looking. His emphasis on "real friends" resolving differences echoes historical Indo-US milestones, from the civil nuclear deal to defence pacts. A finalised trade deal could unlock billions in bilateral commerce, fortifying economic pillars.

As the next trade round convenes, expectations centre on breakthroughs in goods and services liberalisation. India's semiconductor ambitions, buoyed by Pax Silica, align with US goals to onshore critical tech. The call thus marks a constructive pivot, navigating discord towards deepened partnership.

Based On ANI Report