News agency ANI reported citing sources that the foreign minister will visit US next week. However, no official government statement on the visit has been released as of yet.
The visit comes amid heightened global focus on securing access to key raw materials essential for economic growth, defence capabilities and the energy transition.
Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington
The visit coincides with the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial organised by the US Department of State on February 4.
If true, Jaishankar will attend the high-level meeting, being hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio .
The meeting aims to bring together partner countries from across the world to discuss ways to ensure reliable and resilient supply chains for critical minerals.
Announcing the ministerial earlier this month, the US State Department said in a post on X (formerly Twitter): "On February 4, Secretary Rubio will welcome partners from across the globe to the State Department for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial."
"Strengthening critical mineral supply chains with our international partners is vital to America's economic and national security, technological leadership, and a resilient energy future," it added.
The discussions are expected to focus on minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare-earth elements, which are central to technologies ranging from electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to advanced defence equipment.
Wider push to diversify supply chains
The ministerial follows a separate initiative led by the US Treasury earlier this month.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened a high-level finance ministerial in Washington to explore ways to secure and diversify global critical mineral supply chains, particularly rare-earth elements, amid concerns over supply vulnerabilities, as per ANI.
India was represented at the meeting by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside officials from countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Pax Silica and strategic alignment
Jaishankar’s visit also coincides with India’s anticipated formal association with Pax Silica, a US-led initiative aimed at building a secure and innovation-driven silicon and critical technology supply chain, as per WION.
Announced in late 2025, the initiative brings together “trusted” partners to reduce dependence on dominant suppliers, particularly China. India was invited to join in January 2026 by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.
