India, US Bolster Ties: Jaishankar & Rubio Discuss Trade, Defence, Critical Minerals

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephonic conversation to discuss bilateral issues.
• Key topics included trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence, and energy, with both sides agreeing on sustained engagement.
• The call followed US Ambassador Sergio Gor assuming charge in New Delhi, who indicated a possible meeting between the leaders next month.
• US Ambassador Gor announced India's invitation to join Pax Silica, a US-led initiative for securing critical supply chains in silicon, advanced manufacturing, and AI.
• Despite ongoing trade negotiation challenges, both nations are determined to achieve a trade deal, aiming for $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030.

Why It Matters: India and the US are deepening strategic and economic ties, focusing on trade, defence, and critical supply chains.