From energy and nuclear cooperation to defence and critical minerals— External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, just after India and the United States announced a trade deal, to push forward a broader bilateral agenda that now goes well beyond tariffs and market access.

Both leaders “welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi”, noting the importance of stronger economic cooperation. Jaishankar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said he was “delighted to meet US @SecRubio this afternoon” and that they had a “wide-ranging conversation” covering India–US strategic cooperation, including trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology.”

The minister added that both sides agreed on holding early meetings of various bilateral mechanisms to advance shared interests.

“Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests,” he said.