Jaishankar, US Secretary Rubio Discuss Trade, Defence, Nuclear Cooperation

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a "good conversation" with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• Discussions covered trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence, and energy.
• The conversation follows US Ambassador Sergio Gor assuming charge in New Delhi and signaling high-level engagement.
• India is invited to join Pax Silica, a US-led initiative for securing critical supply chains in silicon, advanced manufacturing, and AI.
• US Ambassador Gor emphasized resolving differences and continuing trade deal negotiations, aiming for $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030.

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