WASHINGTON: United States Aims to Strengthen Economic Relations with India and Tackle Irregular Migration, during their meeting in Washington.

United States' Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his prime meeting with India's External Affairs Minister  Dr Jaishankar, expressed the  Donald Trump administration's commitment to enhancing economic ties with India and addressing irregular migration concerns.

The meeting took place in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, January 21, evening, shortly after Rubio assumed his new role. Jaishankar also held a separate discussion with US National Security Advisor (NSA) Michael Waltz.

Strengthening India-US Strategic Partnership

During their bilateral engagement, Jaishankar and Rubio reviewed the broad scope of India-US relations and discussed various regional and global challenges. Highlighting the importance of their diplomatic collaboration, Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

Earlier on the day  Dr Jaishankar attended the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Washington, D.C, hosted by Rubio. This meeting included Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, focusing on boosting the Indo-Pacific's stability and prosperity. They  discussed ensuring an open free,  and stable Indo-Pacific, addressing many  dimensions of collaboration among Quad nations. Jaishankar also met NSA Michael Waltz to explore ways to enhance bilateral relations further. 

Focus on Quad and Strategic Collaboration

The Quad alliance,  comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, has been instrumental in promoting a resilient and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar described the grouping as a “force for global good” and emphasized intensifying collaborative efforts.

Rubio’s Advocacy for Stronger India-US Relations

Marco Rubio has consistently supported strengthening ties with India. As a senator, he introduced the 'United States-India Defence Cooperation Act of 2024,' aimed at enhancing defence relations and technology-sharing. Rubio has also advocated treating India as a NATO-like ally in specific defence agreements.

Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the US State Department, reiterated Rubio's emphasis on bolstering economic ties with India and addressing migration issues. “
Jaishankar  also expressed optimism about working closely with the new Trump administration to advance mutual goals and deepen strategic ties.