S Jaishankar Meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Discuss Strengthening India-US Partnership and Global Challenges

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday in Kuala Lumpur.

Where the two leaders discussed ways to deepen the India–US strategic partnership and exchanged views on key regional and global developments. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit.

“Glad to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues,” Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

The discussions come at a crucial stage in ongoing negotiations for the India–US bilateral trade agreement, which officials say is in its final phase. According to sources, five rounds of talks have already been completed, and both sides are optimistic about concluding the first phase of the pact soon.

The proposed trade deal is expected to boost cooperation in critical sectors such as technology, clean energy, and defence manufacturing, while also addressing tariff barriers and supply chain resilience.

Jaishankar’s meeting with Rubio also focused on the Indo-Pacific, where both nations have reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding a free, open, and rules-based order.

On Sunday, Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, discussing economic and security cooperation under the ASEAN framework.

India, along with the US, Japan, China, and Australia, is a dialogue partner of ASEAN, one of the most influential regional blocs shaping the Indo-Pacific’s strategic and economic landscape.