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

The United States and India are actively working to revive trade negotiations that had stalled due to tariffs imposed by the US and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. During his recent visit to New York, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and underscored that “India is a relationship of critical importance” to the United States. Rubio highlighted several key areas of focus in the bilateral relationship, including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. These sectors remain central to ongoing discussions as both sides attempt to address economic and strategic concerns simultaneously.

Jaishankar also met Sergio Gor, the Trump administration’s nominee for the position of US Ambassador to India, while Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led discussions with American officials aimed at finalizing a trade deal. Against this backdrop, both nations are exploring the possibility of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. One potential opportunity for such a meeting is the upcoming ASEAN and East Asia summits in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. Modi is expected to attend the ASEAN summit, and if Trump participates as well, a bilateral discussion could take place. However, the possibility of such a meeting depends heavily on progress in trade negotiations, with a practical deadline for concluding the deal by October 26.

During his visit, Jaishankar also engaged with European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The EU has recently outlined an ambitious agenda for India in preparation for the upcoming EU-India leaders’ summit. This engagement reflects India’s balancing strategy, as progress in its trade talks and strategic engagement with the US depends on movement in defense sales, energy supply, market access for pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. By engaging with both the US and the EU, India seeks to ensure diversified partnerships. The EU has positioned itself as a reliable partner, at a time when some perceive the US administration as unpredictable, and India-EU trade talks are simultaneously underway.

Rubio also discussed the Quad grouping with Jaishankar, emphasizing collaboration to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific region,” an indirect reference to countering China’s assertiveness in the region. In a readout from the US State Department, the spokesperson highlighted that Rubio appreciated India’s engagement across key issues, including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. The two officials agreed to continue joint efforts to strengthen the Indo-Pacific region through Quad cooperation.

The meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar, held during the 80th UNGA session, lasted about an hour and was described as “positive,” with open discussions on sensitive bilateral and international matters. Jaishankar noted that the discussions covered a broad range of current issues, emphasizing sustained engagement in priority areas. He also participated in an informal EU Foreign Ministers meeting, hosted by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, which included ministers from Brazil and Mexico and focused on global challenges such as multilateralism, the India-EU partnership, the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, energy, and trade.

Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, noted that Jaishankar’s perspectives on India’s priorities were highly appreciated. Kallas stressed the EU’s commitment to multilateralism, free trade, and a world order grounded in the UN Charter. The meeting reinforced the EU’s positioning as a reliable international partner while emphasizing collaboration with India, Brazil, and Mexico on shared interests.

In summary, India is navigating a complex diplomatic and trade landscape, engaging closely with both the US and the EU. Key priorities include finalizing stalled trade deals, enhancing strategic cooperation, balancing relations with multiple global partners, and coordinating on global security and economic issues. The discussions underscore India’s importance as a critical partner to the US and a reliable partner for the EU in the broader Indo-Pacific and global geopolitical context.