External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday, 25 May 2025, laid out India's five-point position on key regional and global issues at a joint press briefing with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, New Delhi. The five pillars — dialogue, maritime commerce, international law, opposition to weaponisation of trade, and trusted supply chains — frame India's current foreign policy posture at a moment of heightened global uncertainty.

The Five-Point Framework

Jaishankar articulated India's stance in precise terms: 'One, that we advocate dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts. Two, we support safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Three, we demand scrupulous respect for international law. Fourth, we are against the weaponisation of market shares and resources. And five, we believe in the value of trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to de-risk the global economy.'

The framing is notable for its implicit messaging — opposition to coercive trade practices and support for free maritime passage carry weight at a time when global shipping lanes and supply chains face disruption from multiple flashpoints.

India-US Strategic Engagement

Jaishankar underscored the depth of ongoing India-US engagement, noting that the two sides have remained in continuous contact since Rubio assumed office — with interactions in Washington D.C., New York, and most recently on the sidelines of an event in France. 'This has included occasions in Washington, D.C., and New York, and also on the sidelines of other events, the most recent one being in France,' he said.

Rubio also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, during which the two leaders discussed a range of global and regional developments, according to Jaishankar. Discussions during the ministerial meeting covered West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia, and Rubio's recent visit to the Caribbean region. The Ukraine conflict and developments in the Gulf were also on the agenda.

Defence, Trade, and Nuclear Cooperation

On the defence front, Jaishankar referenced the recently renewed 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement between the two countries, as well as the signing of a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap. He stressed the importance of incorporating the 'Make in India' approach and lessons from recent conflicts into future defence collaboration.

On trade, both sides discussed the early finalisation of an India-US interim trade agreement — a step envisaged during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States in February 2025 — that is expected to pave the way for a comprehensive bilateral trade pact.

Energy security and nuclear cooperation also featured prominently. Jaishankar noted the expansion of bilateral energy trade and said the passage of the Shanti Act has opened new possibilities in nuclear cooperation. He also raised certain regulatory issues on the American side with Rubio.

Technology, Minerals, and Counter-Terrorism

Emerging technologies, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence were also discussed. Jaishankar noted that India has joined Pax Silica and is part of the Forge initiative, and highlighted the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi in February as a marker of the India-US technology relationship's potential.

On counter-terrorism, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's zero-tolerance position and acknowledged strong bilateral cooperation between the two countries' agencies. He specifically recognised the extradition from the United States to India of a key planner of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks last year, and said both nations would intensify collaboration on countering illegal narcotics trade.

What Comes Next

A Quad meeting is scheduled for 26 May, where the Indo-Pacific will be a central agenda item. Progress on the interim trade agreement text and nuclear cooperation timelines will be closely watched in the weeks ahead, as will any movement on the Gulf situation that Jaishankar flagged as a live and evolving concern.