New York, Sep 23 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that India holds “critical” significance for the United States, appreciating its ongoing trade interactions, as stated by the State Department.

Following his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio reiterated that India is a relationship of critical importance to the US. He conveyed his gratitude for India's persistent engagement on various matters, including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and other elements pertaining to the bilateral relationship, according to the Department's meeting summary.

They agreed that the US and India will persist in collaborating to foster a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including efforts through the Quad, the Department noted.

This reaffirmation of India's importance to the US follows a recent interaction where US President Donald Trump contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him on his 75th birthday, despite having imposed significant tariffs on India and delivered critical remarks.

Notably, the meeting with Jaishankar marked Rubio's first official engagement of the day as he conducted a series of bilateral discussions with global leaders during the high-level General Assembly session.

Jaishankar remarked on X, “Our conversation encompassed a variety of bilateral and international issues of immediate concern. We concurred on the necessity of sustained engagement to advance priority areas.”

He mentioned that they would maintain communication.

Prior to entering the conference room adorned with flowers and flags, they shared a warm moment with the media outside, shaking hands but abstaining from answering questions.

Subsequently, Jaishankar met with the US ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor.

The State Department expressed on X, “They are eager to further enhance the success of the U.S.-India relationship.”

Gor will also act as Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.

Gor's appointment requires Senate approval, as is customary for ambassadorial roles.

In another sign of progress in the bilateral relationship, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal engaged with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to discuss the initial phase of a trade agreement, as reported by sources to IANS.

Both parties remain optimistic about achieving an interim agreement soon, the sources indicated.

Despite discrepancies regarding trade and Russian oil imports, both nations share substantial strategic interests, highlighted by the Quad, which also includes Australia and Japan and focuses on the Indo-Pacific.

Rubio referenced the Quad in his remarks.

After previously criticizing India, including calling its economy “dead”, Trump later posted on Truth Social following his birthday call to PM Modi, “He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support in resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.”

PM Modi expressed gratitude on X, stating, “Like you, I am also fully committed to elevating the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.”

The two nations resumed discussions for a bilateral trade agreement with a meeting in New Delhi between Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and Commerce Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, paving the way for the Goyal-Greer dialogue.