Washington: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to the United States, arriving shortly after India and the US confirmed a major trade agreement aimed at deepening economic ties. Soon after reaching Washington, D.C., Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two leaders discussed cooperation in mineral exploration and mining, nuclear and defence collaboration, and emerging technologies. Both sides welcomed the new trade agreement, describing it as a significant step forward in the India–US partnership.
Under the agreement, Washington has agreed to reduce customs duties on select Indian products to 18 per cent. Officials said the talks also focused on strengthening bilateral relations across strategic and economic domains.
Around 50 countries, including India, are participating in the International Critical Minerals Summit held in Washington, underscoring the growing importance of supply-chain resilience and resource security. Jaishankar also held talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with discussions centred on the India–US trade agreement and broader economic cooperation. The External Affairs Minister’s visit comes in the backdrop of the India–US trade deal announced on Monday following a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. As part of the deal, the United States agreed to lower tariffs on Indian products from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, a move expected to provide immediate relief to exporters.
The revised tariff structure is set to take effect right away. Welcoming the agreement, Jaishankar said it would help create jobs, accelerate economic growth, encourage innovation, and strengthen India’s flagship Make in India initiative. He also met other senior members of the US administration during his visit, according to officials from the External Affairs Ministry.
Spoke at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today.
Underlined challenges of excessive concentration and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation.
Highlighted India’s efforts towards greater resilience through… pic.twitter.com/yfiDHGboau
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 4, 2026
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India had secured a better trade deal than any other country. Speaking about the agreement, Goyal credited Prime Minister Modi’s personal rapport with President Trump and said the deal was finalised after months of negotiations. He added that the finer details would be made public once procedural formalities are completed, with both countries expected to issue a joint statement. The agreement is expected to benefit a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, dairy, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), engineering, textiles, jewellery, leather, and marine products. Officials said the gains would extend to farmers, youth, rural communities, and the common citizen, describing the pact as being in the national and public interest while strengthening India’s long-term growth prospects.
Goyal also said the government had planned to clarify the details of the agreement in the Lok Sabha, but was unable to do so due to protests by the Congress party. He accused opposition leader Rahul Gandhi of misleading the public on the issue. The minister noted that it was the US that had earlier imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, and that Washington itself announced the reduction to 18 per cent.
Beyond trade, the agreement is also expected to facilitate India’s access to advanced American technologies. “This is not just a trade deal,” Goyal said. “It marks a historic turning point in redefining India–US relations and accelerating our journey towards the goal of Developed India 2047.”
