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US-India Talks: Nuclear Law, Trade, and Indo-Pacific Security in Focus

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call reviewing key bilateral cooperation areas. They discussed advancing civil nuclear cooperation following India's new nuclear energy law and ongoing trade agreement negotiations. The diplomats also exchanged perspectives on regional developments, reaffirming a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. US officials described the call as positive, with discussions on next steps for trade and critical minerals.

Key Points: US-India Discuss Nuclear Law, Trade, Indo-Pacific Security

  • Civil nuclear energy cooperation
  • Bilateral trade negotiations
  • Indo-Pacific security commitment
  • Critical minerals supply chains
  • Strengthening economic ties
2 min read

Rubio, EAM Jaishankar talk nuclear law, trade, Indo-Pacific

US Secretary Marco Rubio and India's EAM Jaishankar review civil nuclear cooperation, trade talks, and shared Indo-Pacific security commitments.

"Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence, and energy. - EAM Jaishankar"

Washington, Jan 14

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday spoke over the phone with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, reviewing key areas of cooperation, including civil nuclear energy, trade talks, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

"Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence, and energy. Agreed to remain in touch on these and other issues," EAM Jaishankar wrote on X after the call.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described it as a positive call. "They discussed next steps regarding our bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals, and a possible meeting next month," Gor wrote on X.

During the call, Rubio congratulated India on enacting the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill, a recent law that is part of India's nuclear energy framework, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

He said the United States is interested in building on the legislation to strengthen civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries.

"He expressed interest in capitalising on this important development to enhance U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation, expand opportunities for American companies, advance shared energy security goals, and secure critical mineral supply chains," Pigott said.

The two diplomats discussed ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and their shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation.

"They also exchanged perspectives on regional developments, reaffirming the United States' and India's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Pigott said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see talks on critical minerals. We need to secure our supply chains for the green energy transition. A strong India-US partnership in the Indo-Pacific is essential for regional stability. Jaishankar ji is handling our foreign policy brilliantly.
R
Rohit P
While the talks sound good, I hope our negotiators are tough on the trade deal. We must protect our farmers and MSMEs. The US often pushes for more market access than it gives. Let's ensure any agreement is truly mutually beneficial.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable sector, the focus on nuclear energy and critical minerals is spot on. The SHANTI bill is a game-changer. Collaboration here can help both countries achieve their net-zero targets faster.
V
Vikram M
"Free and open Indo-Pacific" - this is the key phrase. With China's increasing assertiveness, a strong strategic partnership with the US is non-negotiable for India's security interests. Defence cooperation should be accelerated.
K
Karthik V
Hope the talks lead to concrete outcomes, not just statements. We've been discussing a trade deal for years. Also, while cooperation is good, India must maintain its strategic autonomy and not become overly dependent on any single partner.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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