Washington, Feb 5 (NationPress) Highlighting the historic India-US trade agreement, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated on Thursday that it is "in the final stages of detailing". He noted a "strong momentum" in the increasing collaboration between New Delhi and Washington.

The EAM made this statement at the conclusion of his visit to the United States from February 2-4, during which he participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“I wrapped up a fruitful visit to the US. Grateful to Secretary Rubio for his gracious hospitality,” he shared on X. “The historic India-US trade deal is nearing completion and will usher in a new era of our bilateral relations, filled with extensive opportunities. Our cooperation on critical minerals is also progressing swiftly. Anticipate discussions on strategic topics, defense, and energy in the near future. Overall, a robust momentum is clear,” EAM Jaishankar elaborated.

During this important visit, the External Affairs Minister engaged with high-ranking officials from the US administration.

This included meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, where in-depth discussions took place regarding the India-US strategic and economic partnership.

“Delighted to connect with Secretary Rubio this afternoon,” Jaishankar stated in a post on X following their meeting. “Our conversation covered a broad range of topics concerning our bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and global matters.”

The dialogue with Rubio encompassed multiple dimensions of the India-US relationship, including trade, energy, nuclear power, defense, critical minerals, and technology. EAM Jaishankar noted that both sides resolved to expedite follow-up engagements. “We agreed on early meetings of various mechanisms to further our shared interests,” he added.

As per the US State Department's readout, Jaishankar and Rubio discussed formalizing bilateral cooperation in critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing, a vital aspect of the India-US economic and strategic alliance.

This meeting occurred a day after US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a trade agreement aimed at reducing barriers and enhancing market access between the two largest democracies.

Both Rubio and EAM Jaishankar welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the significance of the two democracies collaborating to unlock new economic opportunities and promote shared energy security objectives, according to the readout.

The discussions also covered the regional and multilateral aspects of their partnership. Rubio and EAM Jaishankar concluded their meeting by reaffirming their dedication to strengthening both bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. They recognized that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region is essential for advancing mutual interests.

Earlier that Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. “It was a pleasure to meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today,” he mentioned in a separate post.

The External Affairs Minister described their talks as constructive. “We had a fruitful discussion on advancing the India-US economic partnership and strategic collaboration,” he stated.

These two meetings showcased the expanding scope of India-US relations, encompassing diplomacy, security, trade, and finance. Senior officials from both nations have emphasized the necessity for closer coordination among departments to turn political momentum into tangible outcomes.

In recent years, India and the United States have intensified their cooperation in defense, energy, and emerging technologies, while also enhancing economic ties through trade and investment. Both countries have prioritized critical minerals and advanced technologies, given their significance in clean energy transitions and high-tech manufacturing.

The latest high-level engagements follow ongoing dialogues between New Delhi and Washington concerning regional and global issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific. Officials from both sides have characterized the India-US partnership as a cornerstone of their foreign policy strategies.