External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington as part of India’s ongoing diplomatic engagements following a landmark India–US trade deal announcement. The discussions centred on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and strengthening broader strategic ties between the two nations. Jaishankar described the meeting as productive, emphasising a shared commitment to advancing the India–US economic partnership and exploring ways to deepen cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

Key Highlights

• Jaishankar holds talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.
• Meeting follows India-US trade deal as both sides push to strengthen strategic and commercial ties.

\The talks come amid a significant trade breakthrough announced after a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, under which Washington agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. This move is aimed at easing earlier trade tensions and providing greater market access to Indian exporters.

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Jaishankar’s visit also included meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across sectors such as trade, energy, nuclear, defence, and critical minerals supply chains, reflecting an expanding agenda beyond traditional trade discussions. The two sides also expressed the intention to convene early meetings of institutional mechanisms to accelerate shared priorities.

The discussions are taking place in the wider context of India’s strategic push to elevate economic and diplomatic ties with the United States while reinforcing India’s role in global supply chains and regional partnerships.