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Diplomacy –  India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in New York for a three-day official visit to the United States, marking another significant step in ongoing high-level engagement between New Delhi and Washington. The visit, scheduled from February 2 to February 4, is focused on strengthening cooperation in critical minerals and reviewing broader strategic, economic, and geopolitical priorities.

After beginning his visit in New York, Jaishankar is set to travel to Washington, where he is expected to hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday. The bilateral meeting is likely to assess progress across several areas of shared interest, with a particular emphasis on building resilient and diversified supply chains for critical minerals.

Talks Follow Recent India–US Trade Developments

The timing of the visit is notable, coming just a day after a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the call, President Trump announced a trade agreement with India, a move that has injected fresh momentum into diplomatic and economic exchanges between the two countries.

Jaishankar welcomed the trade-related announcements in a post on social media, highlighting their potential economic impact. He noted that stronger trade ties could lead to job creation, faster economic growth, and increased innovation in both countries. He also underlined that deeper economic engagement would support India’s domestic manufacturing goals and encourage trusted technology partnerships.

Focus on Critical Minerals Ministerial

A key element of the External Affairs Minister’s visit is his participation in the Critical Minerals Ministerial, convened by Secretary Rubio. The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, will bring together delegations from partner nations to discuss challenges and opportunities linked to critical mineral supply chains.

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to address the gathering, underscoring the importance Washington places on the issue. The ministerial will focus on ensuring supply chain resilience, supporting clean energy transitions, and promoting strategic collaboration in the critical minerals sector.

Strategic and Global Issues on the Agenda

Beyond minerals cooperation, the Jaishankar–Rubio talks are expected to cover a broad range of regional and global developments. Discussions may include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the evolving situation in the Middle East, and wider geopolitical trends affecting international stability.

Economic and strategic cooperation between India and the United States is also likely to feature prominently. Officials from both sides have consistently emphasized the role of strong economic ties as a foundation for a durable strategic partnership.

Expanding Engagement on Economic Security

In recent years, India and the United States have steadily expanded dialogue on economic security, with critical minerals emerging as a key area of collaboration. These materials are essential for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, batteries, and emerging industries that are shaping future economic growth.

Both countries are seeking reliable and diversified sources of critical minerals to reduce vulnerabilities and meet rising global demand. As nations accelerate investments in renewable energy and advanced technologies, access to these materials has become a strategic priority.

Additional Meetings With US Officials

In addition to the ministerial and bilateral talks, Jaishankar is expected to meet senior members of the US administration during his stay in Washington. While specific details of these meetings have not been disclosed, they are part of regular diplomatic engagement between the two governments.

The US State Department has said it will welcome international delegations during the ministerial to advance collective efforts aimed at strengthening and diversifying critical mineral supply chains. Officials described the gathering as an important step toward deeper collaboration in areas vital to technological innovation, economic resilience, and national security.

Growing Importance of Critical Minerals Globally

Critical minerals have gained increasing global attention in recent years due to their widespread use in clean energy systems, electric vehicles, and other strategic sectors. Demand for these materials continues to rise as countries pursue energy transitions and expand high-tech manufacturing capabilities.

Jaishankar’s Washington engagements reflect the broader trajectory of India–US relations, which now encompass diplomacy, trade, technology, and security. The visit highlights how both nations are aligning their strategies to address shared challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing global environment.