Jaishankar in US for Critical Minerals Talks Amidst Trade Tensions

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting the US for diplomatic engagements focused on critical minerals.
• He will attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial on February 4, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss resilient global supply chains.
• Bilateral talks with Rubio are also expected, aiming to maintain strategic dialogue despite existing trade disagreements.
• India and the US have faced slow progress in bilateral trade deal negotiations due to market access and tariff issues.
• India is anticipated to join Pax Silica, a US-led initiative for secure supply chains in critical technologies, aligning with global partners.

Why It Matters: Jaishankar's US visit aims to strengthen strategic cooperation on critical minerals and technology despite trade hurdles.