India, US near interim trade agreement as Jaishankar and Rubio hold talks in Manila

India and the United States are close to finalizing an interim trade agreement, according to recent discussions between India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Beyond trade, their talks focused on critical geopolitical issues, including recent developments in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions also reviewed the progress made on key defense agreements, fulfilling commitments previously made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

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The Secretary and Minister Jaishankar agreed on the importance of finalizing the interim trade deal, which is almost complete.

"The Secretary and Minister Jaishankar agreed on the importance of finalizing the interim trade deal, which is almost complete," stated a readout from the US State Department. This underscores the mutual desire to conclude the trade arrangement swiftly.

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Pleased to meet Sec Rubio of the USA here in Manila. Our meeting focused on areas which are priority for the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, including trade & tariffs, energy, defence & security, critical minerals & artificial intelligence.

Jaishankar shared on X that the meeting covered priority areas for the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. These included trade and tariffs, energy, defense and security, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. The ministers also exchanged perspectives on regional, global, and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The meeting occurred as the Quad grouping, comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, convened in Manila. Jaishankar's visit to Manila is part of a two-day engagement for various ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' meetings, reflecting India's commitment to strengthening its partnership with ASEAN under the Act East Policy.

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Also exchanged quick perspectives on regional, global and multilateral issues of mutual interest.