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MEA Denies Doval-Rubio Meeting Report, Confirms Trade Deal Progress

The Ministry of External Affairs has firmly denied a Bloomberg report alleging a meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating no such visit occurred. Officials instead highlighted significant progress on a historic India-US trade agreement, which promises reduced tariffs and a boost to Indian exports. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded a productive visit to Washington, describing talks with Secretary Rubio as positive and noting the trade deal is in its final detailing stages. The agreement is expected to create jobs, advance strategic cooperation, and open a new phase in bilateral ties.

Key Points: India Denies NSA Doval Meeting with US's Marco Rubio

  • MEA calls Bloomberg report baseless
  • No meeting between Ajit Doval and Marco Rubio took place
  • Historic India-US trade deal in final stages
  • Deal to boost Indian exports and job creation
  • EAM Jaishankar describes US visit as productive
3 min read

"No such meeting or visit taken place": MEA slams media report alluding meeting between NSA Doval, Marco Rubio

MEA dismisses Bloomberg report on Ajit Doval-Marco Rubio meeting as baseless, while highlighting progress on a historic India-US trade deal.

"Regarding the report by Bloomberg, there is absolutely no basis for that report. - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, February 5

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday slammed the media report, alluding a meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling it baseless.

Speaking here in the national capital, when asked about reports claiming of the meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Regarding the report by Bloomberg, there is absolutely no basis for that report. No such meeting or no such visit has taken place".

His remarks come after a media report had surfaced alleging of a visit by NSA Doval to the United States in September last year, aimed at ameliorating the ties between New Delhi and Washington.

MEA has firmly dismissed the reports, noting that neither any visit or any meeting had taken place between Doval and Rubio.

Also on the press briefing on Thursday, Spokesperson Jaiswal responded to the media queries on the India-US trade deal.

He recalled the positive telecom between PM Modi and US President Trump and said, "Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the reduction in reciprocal tariff. Prime Minister noted that made in India products will now be exported to United States at a reduced tariff of 18%."

He further noted, "This trade agreement will give a major boost to our exports to the United States. It will be a major boost to the labor intensive industries here in India, create new job opportunities, growth and prosperity for our people."

The optimistic sentiment was also reflected during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recently concluded visit to Washington.

He held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described his US visit as "productive and positive.

"The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detail, with completion expected very soon, Jaishankar said.

In a post on X, the EAM said, "Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality. The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident."

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor today said that Jaishankar's talks with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, represented "limitless potential."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Sometimes I wonder if these "leaks" are planted by someone to test the waters or create a narrative. Glad MEA shut it down. The real story is the trade deal - 18% reduced tariff is a big win for 'Make in India'.
D
David E
As someone following India-US relations closely, this kind of reporting is irresponsible. It undermines trust. The diplomatic channels between the two countries are strong and transparent enough; we don't need fabricated meetings.
A
Ananya R
The trade deal details are more exciting! New job opportunities and growth for labor-intensive industries is exactly what our economy needs. Jaishankar Sir's visit seems to have been very fruitful. 👍
S
Siddharth J
While I appreciate the swift denial, I hope our media houses practice more verification before publishing such consequential stories. Our foreign policy credibility is at stake. On another note, "limitless potential" with the US sounds promising!
K
Kavya N
Baseless report or not, the strong India-US partnership is the real headline. Critical minerals, defense, energy, trade – the relationship is moving forward on all fronts. That's what matters for our future.

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