S Jaishankar Holds ‘Useful Discussion’ With Scott Bessent Amid India-US Trade Deal Announcement

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held a “useful discussion” with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, even as India and the United States announced a major trade deal aimed at boosting bilateral economic ties.

“Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. Had a useful discussion on advancement of India-US economic partnership and strategic cooperation,” Jaishankar said in a post on X after the meeting.

The talks with Bessent came during Jaishankar’s official visit to the United States from February 2 to 4, which includes a series of high-level engagements with the new US administration.

Later on Tuesday, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department.

The meeting precedes the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by Rubio on Wednesday, where India and the US are expected to discuss cooperation in strategic supply chains and emerging technologies.

During his visit, Jaishankar will also hold meetings with other senior members of the US administration, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. @SecScottBessent

Had a useful discussion on advancement of India – US economic partnership and strategic cooperation.

🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yXnyrzTO19

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 3, 2026

The diplomatic engagements take place just a day after US President Donald Trump announced that India and the United States had agreed on a trade deal to lower tariffs. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Washington would reduce the reciprocal tariff on India from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant step forward for bilateral economic cooperation.

“Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” PM Modi wrote on X.