New York, Sep 23: In a significant diplomatic gesture, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed India’s strategic importance to the United States following a high-level meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, marked a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across trade, defense, energy, and regional security.

Rubio, in a readout released by the State Department, described India as a “relationship of critical importance” and praised its continued engagement on key issues including pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. Both leaders agreed to deepen collaboration through the Quad alliance, which also includes Japan and Australia, to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting was Rubio’s first official engagement of the day, signaling India’s elevated priority in U.S. foreign policy. Jaishankar later posted on X, “Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas.”

In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, Rubio and Jaishankar appeared together before the media, exchanging handshakes but refraining from comments. Jaishankar also met with Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador-designate to India and President Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. Gor’s appointment awaits Senate confirmation.

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The diplomatic overtures come amid efforts to reset relations following recent tensions, including the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods and critical remarks from President Trump. However, Trump’s birthday call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his subsequent praise—“He is doing a tremendous job”—suggest a shift in tone.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to negotiate the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. Sources indicate optimism on both sides for reaching an interim understanding soon. Earlier groundwork was laid in New Delhi by Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch and Commerce Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

Despite differences over trade and India’s oil purchases from Russia, the two nations continue to align on strategic priorities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Rubio’s reference to the Quad underscores the enduring value of multilateral cooperation in the region.