India-US Talks: Jaishankar, Rubio Discuss Trade, Critical Minerals, Nuclear Cooperation

• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defense, and energy.
• The discussion occurred shortly after new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, assumed office, highlighting ongoing bilateral engagement.
• US Ambassador Sergio Gor announced India's invitation to 'Pax Silica', a US initiative to secure supply chains for Silicon, AI, and Advanced Manufacturing.
• Both sides expressed commitment to resolving trade differences and continuing discussions, with a potential meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio next month.
• The US was India's largest trading partner in 2024-25, and both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Why It Matters: India and the US are strengthening strategic and economic ties, focusing on trade, critical minerals, and defense cooperation.