What Did US Senator Steve Daines Discuss with India's EAM S Jaishankar?

In a recent meeting in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Senator Steve Daines discussed the strategic significance of US-India relations. Their conversation covered various topics, including trade, nuclear energy cooperation, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Following this, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with Jaishankar, emphasizing the importance of ongoing trade negotiations and shared interests. This dialogue highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership in key areas. Read on to discover more about these pivotal discussions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 14:58 IST

Strengthening US-India Relations

New Delhi: On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in discussions with US Senator Steve Daines in the capital, focusing on the importance of their bilateral relationship.

Post-meeting, Jaishankar shared on X, stating, "It was a pleasure to meet Senator Steve Daines this morning in Delhi. We had an extensive and candid conversation about our bilateral ties and their strategic importance."

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Jaishankar, reviewing significant areas of collaboration, including civil nuclear energy, trade discussions, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Jaishankar later tweeted about the call, mentioning, "We discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defense, and energy. We agreed to stay connected on these and other matters."

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, characterized the call as constructive.

"They talked about the next steps in our bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals, and a potential meeting next month," Gor noted on X.

During the conversation, Rubio congratulated India on the recent enactment of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill, which is a key part of India's nuclear energy strategy, as stated by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

Pigott added that the US aims to build on this legislation to enhance civil nuclear cooperation with India.

"He expressed a desire to leverage this significant development to bolster US-India civil nuclear collaboration, expand opportunities for American firms, advance shared energy security objectives, and secure critical mineral supply chains," Pigott explained.

The two officials also discussed ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement and their mutual interest in enhancing economic ties.

"They exchanged views on regional developments, reaffirming the commitment of both the United States and India to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Pigott concluded.

In related news, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 14.

"Today, I presented my credentials as US Ambassador to India to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I am thankful to President Trump for his trust and confidence, and I am proud to advance his Administration’s priorities. Together, we will enhance our partnership in security, trade, energy, and technology, shaping the US-India partnership for the 21st century," Gor posted on X on Wednesday.