India and US Strengthen Ties: Jaishankar Outlines Five Key Principles
Strengthening India-US Relations
EAM Jaishankar (right) & US Secretary of State Marco Rubio exchange a handshake during a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, May 24: On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar presented India's five-point strategy regarding significant regional and global challenges after engaging in discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Hyderabad House, indicating a robust advancement in the India-US strategic alliance.
During a joint press conference following their meeting, Jaishankar emphasized that the bilateral relationship is founded on a shared understanding of national interests across various critical areas.
He stated, "Our political rapport with the US is characterized by a strategic partnership that arises from aligned national interests in numerous domains."
Jaishankar outlined New Delhi's comprehensive position on urgent regional and global issues, detailing five distinct principles.
"Firstly, we advocate for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. Secondly, we support safe and unobstructed maritime trade. Thirdly, we insist on strict adherence to international law. Fourthly, we oppose the weaponization of market shares and resources. Lastly, we value trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to mitigate risks in the global economy," he elaborated.
On the economic front, discussions included the swift finalization of an interim trade agreement between India and the US, which Jaishankar described as a crucial step towards a more extensive bilateral trade agreement anticipated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February 2025.
He remarked, "We discussed the importance of concluding the final text of the interim agreement soon, focusing on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade."
Rubio shared this optimism, expressing confidence that the long-awaited trade deal would soon be finalized and affirming that both nations are "strategically aligned" on nearly all significant global matters.
Regarding defense collaboration, Jaishankar highlighted the recently renewed 10-year major defense partnership framework agreement and the signing of a comprehensive roadmap for underwater domain awareness.
He underscored the necessity of incorporating the “Make in India” initiative and insights gained from recent conflicts into the future of the defense partnership.
Additionally, both parties discussed cooperation in emerging technologies, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. Jaishankar noted that civil nuclear cooperation was also part of their agenda.
"Secretary Rubio and I acknowledged the recent collaboration between India and the US in the energy sector," he stated.
The two ministers also reviewed developments in West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and East Asia, along with discussions related to Jaishankar's recent trip to the Caribbean region.
Rubio, currently on an official visit to New Delhi, expressed confidence in the future of the relationship, stating, "India-US relations have not lost momentum… they will emerge much stronger in the coming years."