Jaishankar discusses ‘many dimensions’ of India-US ties with Gor ahead of Washington visit

Ahead of his proposed visit to the United States next week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday, January 29, held wide-ranging discussions with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, reviewing key pillars of the bilateral relationship such as trade, defence and critical minerals.

The meeting comes as Jaishankar prepares to travel to Washington to attend the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, hosted by the US Department of State.

The visit is also expected to include a bilateral interaction with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at a time when both sides are exploring ways to advance talks on a long-pending trade agreement.

"Pleased to meet US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor today in New Delhi. Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership," Jaishankar wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Pleased to meet @USAmbIndia Sergio Gor today in New Delhi.

Our conversation covered the many dimensions of our partnership.

Welcomed him and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the strengthening of India - US relations.

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— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 29, 2026

He expressed confidence in Gor's role in further strengthening India-US ties.

Ambassador Gor, who assumed office earlier this month, described the interaction as "highly substantive".

"Always a pleasure to spend time with Dr S Jaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical minerals, and working towards our common interests," Gor said on X.

Always a pleasure to spend time with @DrSJaishankar. We had a highly substantive discussion that covered everything from defense, trade, critical

minerals, and working towards our common interests. Stay tuned for much more! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/LzLmREibPd

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) January 29, 2026

Jaishankar's US visit

Jaishankar’s US visit is centred on expanding cooperation on critical mineral supply chains. While there has been no official confirmation from the government yet, the visit is expected to coincide with the Critical Minerals Ministerial on February 4 in Washington.

The US State Department has said that Secretary Rubio will host partners from across the world to discuss strategies for building resilient and reliable supply chains for minerals vital to economic growth, defence and the energy transition, as per news agency ANI.

Read more: EAM Jaishankar likely to visit US next week for critical minerals talks

These include lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare-earth elements used in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and advanced military systems.

Trade talks and strategic initiatives

India and the US held several rounds of negotiations last year on a proposed bilateral trade deal. However, progress slowed after the US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods in August last year, including a 25% levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Ties were also tested by differences over immigration policy and other diplomatic issues, including claims of US mediation in the India, Pakistan conflict.

Despite this, the negotiations have seen significant progress recently, with New Delhi maintaining momentum even as it concluded its free trade agreement with the European Union.