Jaishankar, Rubio Hold Key Talks on Bilateral Ties
Kuala Lumpur: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur on Monday; here the two leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including bilateral relations, regional developments and global challenges.
“Nice to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated our bilateral ties as well as discussion on regional and global issues,” Jaishankar said in a post shared on social media platform X.
The high-level interaction between the two leaders comes at a time when trade negotiations between India and the US are ongoing and adds diplomatic weight to the broader economic dialogue between the two countries.
Last week, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal asserted that India would not “hastily” enter into any trade agreement or accept conditions from partner countries that could limit its “trade options”. His comments reflected New Delhi’s cautious approach even as talks with Washington continue to move forward.
He noted that trade agreements go beyond “tariffs or market access” and focus on building “trust, long-term ties” and creating sustainable frameworks for global trade cooperation. This perspective underscores India’s intention to ensure that any future agreement with the US is compatible with its long-term economic goals.
Goyal emphasized that New Delhi will continue to maintain a cautious and balanced stance. Referring indirectly to discussions with Washington, he said, “In a very short-term context, it’s not about what is going to happen in the next six months. It’s not just about being able to sell steel to America.”
He also stated that India’s trade strategy is driven by a long-term perspective rather than short-term goals, adding, “Trade agreements are more long-term. It is not just about tariffs, it is also about trust and relationship. Trade agreements are also about businesses.”
In line with this approach, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Friday that trade talks between India and the US are “progressing well”, with both sides “converging” on most points and a mutually advantageous deal could be imminent.
“I think we are very close,” Agrawal said, referring to the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on February 13.
