India-US Ties: Thaw in Impasse? Jaishankar-Rubio Talks, Pax Silica Invitation Signal Hope

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defense, and energy in a recent phone call.
• Donald Trump's close ally, Sergio Gor, appointed as US Ambassador to India, promised to resolve differences and invited India to join the Pax Silica initiative for AI supply chains.
• India's Ashwini Vaishnaw attended a critical minerals meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, emphasizing resilient mineral supply chains.
• These engagements suggest a potential improvement in India-US relations, which have been strained by tariffs, H-1B visa issues, and US criticism over Russian oil purchases.
• Despite past tensions, including Trump's jabs at India and claims about de-escalating India-Pakistan conflict, recent dialogues indicate a push towards resolving trade and strategic issues.

Why It Matters: Recent high-level talks and initiatives signal a potential thaw in strained India-US relations, despite past tensions.