Historic Trade Deal Nears Completion as Jaishankar Highlights Strong India–US Momentum

Washington, Feb 2026 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday underlined the growing strength and pace of India–United States relations, citing the historic bilateral trade deal that he said is now in the “final stages of detailing.” Concluding his February 2–4 visit to the United States, Jaishankar noted that the agreement would soon be completed and would mark the beginning of a new and expanded phase in ties between the two democracies.

Describing his visit as productive and forward-looking, Jaishankar said the evolving trade agreement reflects a broader strategic convergence between New Delhi and Washington. “The historic India–US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing and will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship,” he said in a post on X, adding that overall engagement between the two countries is witnessing “strong momentum.”

During his US visit, the External Affairs Minister participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the growing importance of minerals cooperation in the bilateral agenda. Jaishankar pointed out that collaboration in this sector is advancing rapidly and is expected to play a key role in strengthening supply chains critical to clean energy transitions, advanced manufacturing, and strategic technologies.

Jaishankar also held high-level meetings with senior members of the US administration, including separate discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. These engagements covered a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from trade and investment to defence, energy, and emerging technologies.

Following his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar described the talks as comprehensive and constructive. “A wide-ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, as well as regional and global issues,” he said. According to him, the discussions touched upon multiple pillars of the India–US strategic partnership, including trade, energy, nuclear cooperation, defence, critical minerals, and technology.

Both sides, Jaishankar said, agreed on the need to move swiftly toward follow-up engagements. “Agreed on early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests,” he noted, signalling an intent to translate political understanding into concrete outcomes through institutional channels.

The US State Department, in its official readout, said that Jaishankar and Rubio discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing. This area has emerged as a central pillar of the India–US economic and strategic partnership, especially amid global efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities in key resources.

The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio came just a day after US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a trade deal aimed at lowering barriers, expanding market access, and deepening economic engagement between the world’s two largest democracies. Both leaders have described the agreement as a significant step toward unlocking new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides.

Welcoming the agreement, Rubio and Jaishankar underscored the importance of closer economic cooperation and its role in advancing shared energy security goals. The discussions also extended to regional and multilateral dimensions of the partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. They acknowledged that a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital for advancing common strategic interests.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, describing the interaction as useful and outcome-oriented. “Had a productive discussion on the advancement of the India–US economic partnership and strategic cooperation,” he said. The talks reflected the expanding scope of engagement between the two countries, encompassing finance, trade, and macroeconomic coordination alongside diplomatic and security issues.

Officials on both sides have emphasised the need for closer coordination across government departments to ensure that the growing political momentum is effectively translated into tangible benefits. In recent years, India and the United States have significantly deepened cooperation across defence, energy, and advanced technologies, while also expanding trade and investment ties.

Critical minerals and emerging technologies have been identified as priority areas, given their importance to future industries and global energy transitions. With sustained high-level dialogue and a trade deal nearing completion, both New Delhi and Washington view the partnership as a central pillar of their respective foreign policy strategies, with expectations of deeper engagement in the days ahead.