What Are Trump and Rubio Discussing About US-India COMPACT?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The US-India COMPACT focuses on multifaceted cooperation.
- Enhancement of trade and energy security is a priority.
- Goals include a $500 billion trade target by 2030.
- Collaboration in space and artificial intelligence is encouraged.
- The compact signifies a deepening of the US-India relationship.
Washington, July 2 (NationPress) The US-India COMPACT, a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering cooperation between the two nations, took center stage during the discussions between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as noted by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
The Secretary emphasized the robust nature of the US-India relationship, underscoring the execution of the US-India COMPACT, designed to boost collaboration in areas such as trade, defense, energy, illegal immigration, counternarcotics, and beyond.
Jaishankar shared on X that they explored facets of their bilateral partnership, including trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy, and mobility, and exchanged views on regional and global developments.
Previously, both leaders participated in the Quad ministerial meeting alongside Foreign Ministers Penny Wong of Australia and Iwaya Takeshi of Japan.
Jaishankar also conferred with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, noting on X that they focused on the ongoing energy transformation in India and potential for a more profound India-US energy partnership.
The US-India COMPACT advocates for a US-India Energy Security Partnership, encompassing oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.
This initiative aims to boost hydrocarbon production to achieve lower energy prices.
Jaishankar also engaged in bilateral discussions with Wong and Iwaya.
Launched in February during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to US President Donald Trump in Washington, the US-India COMPACT stands for Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology.
The White House has articulated that the compact's objectives include facilitating transformative change across critical pillars of cooperation, committing to a results-driven agenda, and achieving initial outcomes within this year to exemplify the trust in a mutually advantageous partnership.
A new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership in the 21st Century is set under this compact.
On the trade front, the initiative aims for Mission 500, a strategy to escalate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
It also encompasses collaboration in space and artificial intelligence.