Rubio calls India “critical” to US after meeting Jaishankar amid H-1B visa tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met in New York on Monday to reinforce the bilateral partnership, just days.

After President Donald Trump announced a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B visas — a move that sent shockwaves through India’s tech sector. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, was their first in-person interaction since US tariffs on Indian goods reignited trade tensions earlier this summer. Both leaders exchanged warm greetings, signaling a desire to maintain continuity in the relationship despite mounting economic challenges.

“India is a relationship of critical importance to the United States,” Rubio said, according to a State Department briefing. He highlighted collaboration across trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, and reaffirmed US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad.

Jaishankar also emphasized sustained engagement, posting on X: “Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch.”

Visa Fee Concerns

Trump’s sudden visa announcement has particularly unsettled the Indian IT sector. India is the largest recipient of H-1B visas, accounting for 71% of approvals last year, compared with just under 12% for China. The new fee could significantly raise costs for Indian IT service providers, who depend heavily on the programme.

Trade Tensions

This development comes amid ongoing trade disputes. In July, the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, which was quickly doubled citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. These measures stalled ongoing Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations, though discussions resumed in September with both sides committing to progress.

Despite these challenges, diplomatic channels remain active. Rubio and Jaishankar last met in July during the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting, highlighting shared concerns about China. Monday’s engagement aimed to underline that, even amid tensions, cooperation between Washington and New Delhi continues.