Trump Hopes for Early India Trade Deal; Jaishankar Invited to US for Critical Minerals Meet

• US President Donald Trump expressed optimism for a swift and positive trade deal with India, calling PM Modi a "good friend" during an interview in Davos.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has received an invitation to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting in Washington on February 4-5.
• The potential visit by Jaishankar could include a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though a final decision on the trip is pending.
• The invitation comes amidst growing cooperation between India and the US in trade, defense, and energy, despite an ongoing deadlock on a crucial trade agreement.
• The Critical Minerals Ministerial aims to strengthen supply chains for minerals vital to US economic and national security, with China's dominance in the sector being a key concern.

Why It Matters: Trump anticipates a quick trade deal with India as Jaishankar is invited to the US for critical minerals talks.