From trade deals to Russian oil, a new beginning in India-US relations took place in Washington:

Washington/New Delhi. A new chapter has been added in diplomatic relations between India and America. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State The first formal meeting between Marco Rubio in Washington has decided the strategic direction for the future of both the countries. This meeting has taken place at a time when just two days ago President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have announced a historic trade deal.

6 key pillars of strategic partnership

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar described the meeting as “extensive and meaningful”. In the meeting, there was an in-depth discussion on six key areas of India-US strategic partnership:

Trade: Discussion on implementation of new trade agreement.

Energy: Energy security and clean energy transition.

Nuclear Cooperation: Plan to move forward in civil nuclear sector.

Defence: To further strengthen defense industrial cooperation.

Critical Minerals: Bilateral cooperation in exploration, mining and processing of minerals.

Technology: Expanding reliable and secure technology.

Marco Rubio and ‘critic’ Besant’s stance

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the Modi-Trump conversation and said that both the democracies together new economic opportunities Committed to opening. Whereas, US Treasury Secretary Scott Besantwho has been a strong critic of India regarding Russian oil imports in the past, his tone also appeared to have changed this time. Besant held constructive discussions with Jaishankar on strengthening the supply chain and economic security.

[Image: EAM S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shaking hands at the State Department in Washington DC, with Indian and US flags in the background]

Main points of Modi-Trump ‘trade deal’

This agreement, announced by President Trump on February 2, 2026, has changed the direction of bilateral trade:

Tariff Reduction: America cancels reciprocal tariffs on Indian products reduced from 25% to 18% Is done.

Russian oil issue: According to reports, India has agreed to reduce dependence on Russian oil and increase oil imports from the US/Venezuela.

India’s promise: PM Modi buys goods from America under ‘Buy American’ policy $500 billion Has reiterated its commitment to buy energy, coal and technology worth more than Rs.

Goal of Zero Tariff: According to the US, India will work towards reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers on American products to zero.

Road to the future: ‘Quad’ and Indo-Pacific

both leaders Quad Vowed to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation through. Rubio and Jaishankar recognized that a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific region is vital to the common interests of both countries.