Marco Rubio and S Jaishankar Discuss Bilateral Relations at UNGA
Significant Meeting at the UN General Assembly
On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of rising tensions regarding the H-1B visa fee increase, which President Donald Trump has raised to USD 100,000 for new applications, significantly affecting India's technology sector. Additionally, it follows the US's decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports due to India's acquisition of Russian oil.
Rubio shared on the social media platform X that their discussions revolved around enhancing the bilateral partnership to foster prosperity for both nations.
He stated, "Met with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at UNGA. We discussed key areas of our bilateral relationship, including trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, among others, to generate prosperity for India and the United States."
Met with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar at UNGA. We discussed key areas of our bilateral relationship, including trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals and more to generate prosperity for India and the United States. pic.twitter.com/5dZJAd85Za
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) September 22, 2025
A release from the State Department highlighted Rubio's remarks on India's significance to the US. He emphasized the importance of the relationship, expressing gratitude for India's ongoing engagement on various issues, including trade, defense, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
The statement further noted, "Secretary Rubio and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar agreed that the United States and India will continue collaborating to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad framework."
In his post on X, Jaishankar remarked, "Good to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning in New York. Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. We agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch."
Good to meet @SecRubio this morning in New York.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 22, 2025
Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas.
We will remain in touch.
🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/q31vCxaWel
This meeting marked their first direct dialogue since trade tensions escalated due to the tariffs imposed by President Trump on Indian goods linked to the purchase of Russian oil.
Despite the recent challenges, this interaction is viewed as part of a broader initiative to strengthen India-US relations, which have shown signs of strain but are now on a path to recovery.
The two leaders last convened in Washington during the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July and had previous interactions in January. However, this upcoming bilateral meeting will be their first face-to-face engagement since trade disputes intensified following the tariffs.
The 80th session of the UNGA officially commenced on September 9, 2025, with the High-Level General Debate starting on September 23.