India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur on Monday during the ASEAN East Asia Summit. This significant discussion, held just a month after their previous meeting in New York, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional and global matters.
Minister Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction with the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Glad to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues.” Jaishankar was in Malaysia to deliver India’s national statement at the annual summit.
In addition to his meeting with Secretary Rubio, Jaishankar engaged in separate discussions with several other prominent leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, and Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Haji Hasan.
The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio takes place against the backdrop of ongoing trade negotiations and challenges between India and the United States. Notably, recent US tariffs and sanctions, particularly concerning Russian oil imports, have impacted Indian refiners and industries, creating a complex environment for bilateral trade talks.
Both nations are actively pursuing a Bilateral Trade Agreement, aiming to further enhance economic cooperation. This engagement underscores the dynamic nature of the India-US relationship, characterized by both cooperation and the navigation of complex international economic policies.
Looking back, this marks the second encounter between Jaishankar and Rubio in a short span, following their meeting during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September.
Prior to this meeting, Secretary Rubio acknowledged the existing challenges but emphasized his confidence in the enduring strength of the India-US relationship. He was quoted saying, “We’re still talking. I mean, we’ve got broader trade issues that we’re working on as well, so – but they’ll (India) always be our allies and friends.”
Rubio also addressed US plans for increased cooperation with Pakistan, assuring that such initiatives would not jeopardize the historic relationship with India. He highlighted the importance of maintaining relationships with various countries as part of a pragmatic foreign policy, stating, “I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important.”