US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the United States; talks covered defence, trade, energy and Indo‑Pacific cooperation

Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth in New Delhi on Saturday and extended an invitation from US President Donald Trump for a state visit to the United States, officials said. The meeting — held in the morning at the prime minister’s residence complex — came days after Mr. Trump’s high-profile trip to China and was framed by some US outlets as an effort to shore up relations in Asia.

What happened
According to government sources and news agency reports, the bilateral session brought together senior officials from both sides, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and US Under Secretary Allison Hooker. Discussions covered defence cooperation, trade, energy, strategic technologies and coordination on Indo‑Pacific issues, officials familiar with the talks said.

Ground cues and timing
Rubio’s visit to India began in Kolkata earlier in the week, where he visited Mother Teresa House and met local stakeholders. He arrived in New Delhi on Saturday evening for the meeting with the prime minister and will remain in the country for several more days. His stopover precedes a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in the capital, scheduled for Tuesday, which Rubio will attend alongside counterparts from Australia and Japan.

Officials’ input
“Productive discussions focused on deepening cooperation in security, trade and critical technologies,” US Ambassador Sergio Gor said in a statement after the meeting. He added that stronger collaboration would support “a free and open Indo‑Pacific,” and called India a vital partner for the United States. Indian officials described the exchange as constructive but declined to disclose details on timelines or specific agreements.

Context: Trump’s China trip
Rubio’s outreach follows Mr. Trump’s visit to Beijing last week, during which the US president publicly praised Chinese President Xi Jinping. Several US media outlets portrayed Rubio’s trip as partly a damage‑control measure meant to reassure regional allies unsettled by Washington’s warmer tone toward Beijing. “The visit appears aimed at reaffirming commitment to partners in Asia,” one US analyst told local reporters on condition of anonymity.

Indo‑Pacific and Iran
Sources said the two sides reviewed developments in West Asia, including the evolving Iran situation, and explored options for coordination. Indian and US officials plan to keep lines of communication open on regional security, according to people briefed on the meetings. The Quad session next week is expected to further discuss shared strategic priorities in the Indo‑Pacific and coordinate on ongoing projects.

Economic and tech strands
Trade and critical technologies were central to the talks, with both sides signalling interest in accelerating cooperation in semiconductors, clean energy and defence manufacturing. Discussions also touched on energy security and avenues to expand bilateral investment, particularly in green technology and supply‑chain resilience.

Public impact and local reaction
In New Delhi, reactions were muted and cautious. Diplomatic observers said an invitation for a state visit is significant symbolically but noted that follow‑up — scheduling, protocol and agendas — will determine the diplomatic payoff. Business groups tracking US‑India ties welcomed continued engagement, saying clearer roadmaps on trade and technology would help investors.

Next steps and outlook
Rubio is slated to deliver remarks at the US Embassy Support Annex Building dedication and attend a reception at Roosevelt House hosted by Ambassador Gor. On Sunday he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and participate in the US Embassy’s Independence Day events. He will then travel to Agra and Jaipur before returning to New Delhi for the Quad meeting.

For now, officials from both capitals emphasised sustained dialogue. Whether Rubio’s outreach translates into concrete timelines for a Modi visit to Washington or new bilateral pacts will depend on follow‑up negotiations and calendar coordination in coming weeks.

Jaishankar Urges BRICS to Deepen Cooperation, Push Reforms

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called upon BRICS nations to find practical ways to deal with the fallout of ongoing global conflicts, economic volatility, and trade disruptions, even as India advances institutional reforms to accommodate the grouping’s expanded membership.

Opening the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here, Jaishankar emphasised that the bloc must play a constructive and stabilising role amid growing uncertainty in international relations. The meeting at Bharat Mandapam brought together foreign ministers from core members including Russia, Brazil, and Iran, along with partner countries.

Time of considerable flux

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. “Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape.”

He noted that developing nations and emerging markets are increasingly looking to BRICS for stability and workable solutions. The minister stressed the need to reflect on global and regional developments and explore concrete steps to strengthen cooperation.

Institutional reforms under Indian chair

As the current chair, India has prioritised building a more inclusive and effective framework. Jaishankar highlighted progress in discussions on institutional development, including updating mechanisms to better integrate new members.

“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he said.

Officials indicated that India’s chairmanship has already facilitated over 80 BRICS meetings involving all member states since January. This is India’s fourth stint at the helm, following previous summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Development challenges in focus

Ministers are expected to address pressing issues affecting many countries, particularly in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. Jaishankar said BRICS can help members respond more effectively to these challenges.

He also underlined the importance of reliable supply chains and diversified markets for building economic resilience in the face of global disruptions.

Climate, tech and equitable growth

Climate change figured prominently in the discussions. The minister called for sustainable development efforts guided by principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

On technology, Jaishankar pointed to the rapid pace of change and the need to harness innovations for inclusive growth and better governance.

Peace, security and counterterrorism

Peace and security issues remained central to the conversations. Recent conflicts have reinforced the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar noted. There was also strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation against terrorism, an area of shared interest among members.

The presence of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov added weight to discussions on geopolitical challenges.

Looking ahead

The two-day meeting, scheduled for May 14 and 15, forms part of broader consultations on global economic governance, development priorities, and current geopolitical realities. Outcomes are expected to feed into further BRICS processes under India’s presidency.

Analysts see the gathering as an opportunity for the expanded bloc to demonstrate its relevance in a fragmented world order. With multiple partner countries participating, the focus remains on practical coordination rather than grand declarations.

Local diplomatic circles in New Delhi described the meeting as business-like, with delegations working through detailed agendas on multilateral reform and economic cooperation. Many observers believe successful institutional adjustments will determine how effectively BRICS can deliver on expectations of emerging economies.

As global attention remains fixed on multiple conflict zones and economic headwinds, India’s push for pragmatic cooperation reflects its longstanding approach of seeking inclusive solutions through platforms like BRICS.

Iran's Araghchi Arrives in New Delhi Today for BRICS Talks; Hormuz Safe Passage High on Agenda

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lands in New Delhi this morning for a two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with bilateral talks expected to focus on securing safe movement for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising West Asian tensions.

 Strategic Visit Amid Regional Turbulence

Araghchi is scheduled to touch down on Wednesday, 13 May, ahead of the BRICS gathering being hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 14 and 15. This marks the Iranian diplomat's first visit to India since the escalation of hostilities involving Tehran, Washington, and Israel earlier this year.

Sources familiar with the matter said the two ministers are likely to sit down on the summit sidelines specifically to address concerns over India-flagged ships and oil tankers navigating the narrow strait. The waterway, a chokepoint for global crude shipments, has become increasingly volatile.

 40-50 India-Bound Vessels Affected

The urgency isn't hypothetical. Initial reports indicate that between 40 and 50 vessels headed for Indian ports remain stranded west of the Hormuz passage. For a country that imports roughly 85 per cent of its oil requirements, any prolonged disruption spells immediate trouble.

Officials point out that New Delhi is walking a tightrope—protecting energy security while avoiding entanglement in a conflict that shows no signs of cooling. Araghchi and Jaishankar have already held several telephone conversations in recent weeks, focusing on the safety of Indian nationals and the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping.

Lavrov Also in Attendance

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also participate in the Delhi meeting, according to the Russian foreign ministry. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that discussions will cover global governance, pressing international issues, and preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September in New Delhi.

India's BRICS Presidency

This is India's fourth time leading the BRICS grouping, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The theme for New Delhi's 2026 presidency—"Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"—takes forward a people-centric approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2025 Rio Summit.

The expanded bloc now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

Chabahar Port, Wider Ties on Table

Beyond the immediate crisis management, Araghchi's visit is expected to reinforce broader India-Iran cooperation. The development of Chabahar Port—a strategic project that gives New Delhi an alternative trade route bypassing Pakistan—remains a priority. Energy linkages and regional diplomacy will also feature.

With tensions showing no signs of easing, both sides recognise that maintaining secure sea lanes isn't just a bilateral concern but a matter of global trade stability. Araghchi's trip, while brief, signals that diplomatic channels remain open even as warships patrol contested waters.

Jaishankar Meets Marco Rubio in Washington Amid Key India-US Developments

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement just days after India and the United States announced a major trade deal. The meeting took place during Jaishankar’s three-day official visit to the US and ahead of the first-ever Critical Minerals Ministerial, scheduled for February 4.

The high-level talks focused on strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy, defence, and critical minerals, areas that are increasingly central to India-US strategic and economic ties.

Trade Deal Sets the Context for Strategic Talks

The meeting comes a day after both countries unveiled a new trade agreement under which Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. This development has provided fresh momentum to bilateral relations, especially at a time when global supply chains and geopolitical alliances are undergoing rapid shifts.

Posting on X after the meeting, Jaishankar said he was “delighted” to meet Rubio, signalling a positive tone and shared intent to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

Focus on Critical Minerals and Global Supply Chains

A key agenda item during the visit is the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which the US is hosting for the first time in Washington DC. According to the US State Department, delegations from over 50 countries will participate, aiming to strengthen cooperation and diversify global critical mineral supply chains.

These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing. For India, collaboration in this area is vital to reduce dependence on limited suppliers and support its manufacturing and energy transition goals.

Secretary Rubio is expected to chair the ministerial, bringing together global partners to enhance coordination and long-term security of mineral supplies.

Wider Economic and Strategic Engagement

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The two leaders discussed ways to advance the India-US economic partnership and enhance strategic cooperation. Jaishankar described the interaction as “useful,” highlighting the growing alignment between the two economies.

Experts note that these back-to-back meetings underline how economic policy, trade, and strategic interests are now deeply interconnected in India-US relations.

Why This Meeting Matters Now

With rising global competition over resources, technology, and supply chains, Jaishankar meets Marco Rubio at a crucial moment. The discussions reflect a shared recognition that closer coordination on defence, nuclear energy, and critical minerals is essential for long-term stability and growth.

What It Means for India

For India, the outcomes of this visit could mean:

Better access to advanced technologies

 Stronger defence and energy partnerships

 A more secure position in global supply chains

As India and the US continue to align their strategic priorities, these talks signal a deepening partnership that goes beyond trade and into long-term geopolitical cooperation.

Jaishankar’s meeting with Marco Rubio highlights a new phase in India-US relations, driven by trade reforms, strategic trust, and shared global challenges. With critical minerals and defence cooperation taking centre stage, the partnership appears set to grow stronger in the months ahead.