Strengthening Ties: Jaishankar and Rubio's Critical Minerals Dialogue

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar plans to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, as part of a broader agenda focused on critical minerals. This meeting anticipates the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, a crucial step in diversifying and strengthening supply chains globally.

Scheduled just a day after President Donald Trump announced a new trade deal with India, the gathering marks a significant milestone. Under this agreement, the US will lower its tariff on Indian products to 18 percent, a move hailed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a major opportunity for economic collaboration between the two nations.

The inaugural ministerial, spearheaded by Rubio, aims to enhance cooperation on critical minerals essential for technological innovation. High-profile figures such as US Vice President JD Vance and Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg will deliver opening remarks, highlighting the importance of international collaboration for economic security and national prosperity.