'Limitless potential': Marco Rubio meets Jaishankar in 'highest level' engagements

US Secretary of the state Marco Rubio has met with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar in what was termed "highest levels engagement" just days after India and the US struck long-drawn trade deal, slashing US tariff on Indian exports from 50% to 18%. 

US ambassador Sergio Gor posted pictures of the two leaders on social media platform X, stating coming together of the two countries have "limitless potential" and that the US is ready to further elevate ties.

The two met on the sidelines of

Critical Minerals Ministerial that Jaishankar is attending in Washington DC in the US. The minister also spoke at the event on importance of de-risking supply chain through structured international cooperation.

Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential! @DrSJaishankar @SecRubio @SecScottBessent pic.twitter.com/QtUw8aiZZb

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 5, 2026

The tariff reduction announced Monday (February 2) night sparked an immediate and sharp rally in stock markets the following day. 

India's trading ties with Russia is a key factor to the deal's progress in the last few months. US President Donald Trump said India would stop buying Russian oil and commit to purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not acknowledge any commitment to stop purchasing Russian oil but credited Trump's efforts towards ensuring global peace and stability. 

PM Modi further wrote, "When two large economies come together and the world's largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation". 

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