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New Delhi. Foreign Minister S. India-US strategic partnership, regional stability and global economic cooperation were widely discussed in the bilateral talks held at Hyderabad House between Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In the joint press conference after the meeting, S. Jaishankar said that India and America are continuously strengthening their bilateral relations through regular dialogue.

He said this is his first visit to Rubio as Secretary of State, but there has been frequent contact between the two countries, including in Washington, New York and other international forums. Jaishankar said the two countries shared views on several global issues, including West Asia, Indo-Pacific, the Indian subcontinent and the Caribbean region, and the Ukraine conflict was also discussed.

He said India’s five-point approach is based on dialogue in conflict resolution, adherence to international law, unimpeded maritime trade, opposition to weaponization of resources and reliable supply chains. The two leaders also emphasized on enhancing cooperation in defence, energy security, nuclear cooperation, Artificial Intelligence, critical minerals and emerging technologies. It was agreed to quickly finalize the interim trade agreement under economic cooperation and move towards a comprehensive trade agreement. On the issue of terrorism, India reiterated the policy of ‘zero tolerance’ and stressed on strengthening joint cooperation against illicit drug trafficking.

The recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the upcoming high-level visits were also mentioned in the meeting, which was expected to further strengthen the bilateral strategic coordination. The Foreign Minister said that the defense partnership, maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region between the two countries is getting new momentum, especially emphasis was laid on increasing coordination under the Quad framework.

He also said that both the countries are working together towards diversification of energy trade, nuclear energy cooperation and securing supply chains. Calling the partnership on technology, artificial intelligence and critical minerals crucial for the future global economy, both sides agreed to increase innovation and investment.

The two countries also discussed counter-terrorism cooperation, countering drug trafficking and pursuing a common strategy on global security challenges. Jaishankar clarified that India’s policy is of zero tolerance towards any kind of terrorism and both the countries are continuously coordinating in this direction at the level of intelligence and security agencies. He said that action against the perpetrators of 26/11 attacks and the extradition process is an important part of cooperation. Both sides have also agreed to continue joint operations against illegal drug trafficking.