US Treasury Secy, EAM Jaishankar hold talks on securing supply chains, mutual interests

WASHINTON: United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on Wednesday held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and addressed the importance of securing supply chains. Bessent and Jaishankar also discussed economic security issues of mutual interest.

In a post on X, he said, “Enjoyed today’s meeting with Minister S Jaishankar of India. During our talks, we addressed the importance of securing supply chains, as well as other national and economic security issues of mutual interest.”

Enjoyed today’s meeting with Minister @DrSJaishankar of India.

During our talks, we addressed the importance of securing supply chains, as well as other national and economic security issues of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/QZPWw6GW5M

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) February 4, 2026

Speaking about the meeting, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. Had a useful discussion on advancement of India – US economic partnership and strategic cooperation”.

Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. @SecScottBessent

Had a useful discussion on advancement of India – US economic partnership and strategic cooperation.

pic.twitter.com/tfNMpTT8wH

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 3, 2026

Jaishankar also held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed facets of India-US Strategic Partnership.
In a post on X, he said, “Delighted to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this afternoon. A wide ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues. Facets of India – US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology. Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests”.

Delighted to meet US @SecRubio this afternoon.

A wide ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues.

Facets of India – US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and… pic.twitter.com/1rbXJHgEQY

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 3, 2026

Jaishankar and Rubio on Tuesday (local time) committed to expand “bilateral and multilateral cooperation” through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) during their meeting ahead of the Critical Minerals Ministerial and welcomed the recently announced India-US trade deal, in which Washington reduced the tariff on Indian goods to 18 per cent.

According to a readout from the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, EAM Jaishankar and Secretary Rubio discussed formalising cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing and also emphasised the importance of the two democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance shared energy security goals.

“The Secretary and External Affairs Minister discussed formalizing bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing. Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar welcomed the trade deal reached between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. The two leaders emphasized the importance of our democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance our shared energy security goals,” the readout stated.

Both leaders also called for a “prosperous Indo-Pacific region”, crucial for promoting shared interests. “Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar concluded their meeting by expressing their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad. They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests,” the readout added.

EAM Jaishankar met with Rubio as part of an ongoing three-day visit to the United States, during which he is participating in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial on February 4.

The United States is set to host the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC, bringing together delegations from over 50 countries to advance collaboration on securing and diversifying global critical mineral supply chains, according to a prior notice issued by the Office of the Spokesperson of the US State Department.

Following his meeting, EAM Jaishankar, in a post on X, said that he was “delighted” to meet with Rubio, stating that both sides held conversations that covered the India-US “bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues”.

“Delighted to meet US Secretary Rubio this afternoon. A wide-ranging conversation covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues. Facets of India-US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals, and technology. Agreed on early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests,” EAM said in his post.

Secretary Rubio also shared on X, stating, “Met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to discuss our bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration and work together to unlock new economic opportunities between our two countries. We also commended the trade deal between the United States and India.” (ANI)

Earlier on Tuesday, Jaishankar welcomed the US and India deal. In a post on X, he said, “Welcome the announcements on bilateral trade following the conversation between PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. This will create more jobs, spur growth and promote innovation in both economies. It will strengthen ‘Make in India’ endeavors and encourage trusted technology ties. The opportunities in our economic engagement are truly vast and we are confident of realizing them. A robust economic relationship is the strongest foundation for our strategic partnership.”
https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2018404387425808784?s=20
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had welcomed the agreement on February 2.
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2018377090840830101?s=20
In a post on X, he said, “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights.” (ANI)