External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a time when India–US trade negotiations have entered a crucial phase. The discussion focused on several important areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence and energy.

Sharing details of the conversation on X, Jaishankar described the interaction as constructive. He wrote, “Just concluded a good conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy.” He further added that both sides agreed to remain in touch on these issues and other related matters.

The call comes amid increasing friction between New Delhi and Washington over trade-related concerns. The tensions are mainly linked to tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India over its purchases of Russian oil. At present, India is facing steep US tariffs of up to 50 per cent, even though the two countries have been engaged in trade talks since February last year. These negotiations began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to the US capital.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, Tommy Pigott, confirmed details of the discussion. According to Pigott, Secretary Rubio congratulated India on the passage of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill. He said Rubio expressed interest in using this development to strengthen US–India civil nuclear cooperation.

Pigott stated that the US is keen to “capitalise on this important development to enhance U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation, expand opportunities for American companies, advance shared energy security goals, and secure critical mineral supply chains.” He also confirmed that the two leaders discussed ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and shared a common interest in strengthening economic cooperation.

In addition to trade and energy, the two sides also exchanged views on regional developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership between the two democracies.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor later described the conversation between Jaishankar and Rubio as “positive.” In a post on X, Gor said, “A quick update: @SecRubio, just concluded a positive call with @DrSJaishankar. They discussed next steps regarding our bilateral trade negotiations, critical minerals and a possible meeting next month.”

The phone call followed Gor’s confirmation a day earlier that the next round of India–US trade talks was scheduled for today. Gor has earlier stated that no country is as essential to Washington as India and has indicated that both sides are working towards finalising a trade deal.

Speaking during his arrival in New Delhi, Gor said that both governments are actively engaged in finalising a trade agreement. He also highlighted cooperation in areas such as security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, health, and innovation. Describing the relationship between the two countries, Gor said it is one where “real friends can disagree, but resolve their differences,” referring to the equation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.

Gor also announced that India will be invited to join the Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month. The US-led initiative aims to build a secure and innovation-driven silicon supply chain, aligning with the focus on critical minerals discussed during the Jaishankar–Rubio call.

At the inaugural Pax Silica Summit in 2025, India was excluded from the initiative, which had triggered political criticism. India’s inclusion is now expected to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing and position the country as an alternative global production hub. Experts have noted that India’s entry into Pax Silica could follow a path similar to its participation in the Minerals Security Partnership.

Pax Silica is a key US State Department initiative focused on artificial intelligence and supply chain security, aimed at encouraging trusted partners to coordinate on secure and reliable technology and economic systems.