External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi to press India’s concerns over energy security and recent changes to US visa rules that are affecting business and research mobility. The talks covered trade, technology, defence and nuclear cooperation, and sought to reinforce the broader India‑US strategic partnership.
Jaishankar warned that constricted energy markets would carry heavy cost implications for India and stressed that energy decisions should be left to market forces. He said there has been a “significant uptick” in US energy supplies to India, and independent trade analytics firm Kpler projects record US LPG/LNG imports by India in May.
On visas, Jaishankar flagged difficulties faced by legitimate Indian travellers and professionals following new US rules. He urged that while India will cooperate to prevent illegal migration, lawful mobility — vital for business, technology and research ties — should not be unduly hampered. The concern follows a US policy change requiring some foreign workers to return to their home countries when applying for permanent residency.
Rubio acknowledged the transition could produce “bumps” and “friction points,” but said the reforms are not targeted at India and expected the end-result to be beneficial. He also sought to reassure New Delhi that closer US engagement with Pakistan does not come at the expense of the US‑India relationship.
On technology, Rubio described India as one of the few countries with which the US can partner to shape global technological outcomes, noting India’s advanced capabilities and leading companies across several fields. Both ministers underlined the strategic importance of deepening tech collaboration.
Nuclear cooperation featured in discussions as well. Jaishankar welcomed opportunities opened by the passage of the Shanti Act and raised US regulatory issues that New Delhi hopes can be addressed to realise full civil‑nuclear potential.
Rubio additionally met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to discuss defence, security and strategic technology cooperation, including the TRUST initiative. The Ministry of External Affairs said both sides reviewed ongoing programs and reaffirmed the high priority accorded to the India‑US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
