US Calls India Ties ‘Critical,’ Exploring Window for Modi-Trump Meeting

The US and India are pushing to revive stalled trade talks strained by tariffs and India’s purchase of Russian oil. After meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New York, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India a “critical” partner, highlighting trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. Both sides are exploring a possible Modi-Trump meeting, with a potential window at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur next month, dependent on trade progress. Jaishankar also engaged with EU leaders, as the EU seeks closer trade ties with India. Talks also touched on the Quad, Indo-Pacific security, and global challenges.