External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Canada, focusing on strengthening trade ties, securing global supply chains, and addressing major geopolitical challenges.
Focus on trade, supply chains and global challenges
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Good to meet @SecRubio this morning at #G7 FMM. Appreciate his condolences on the loss of lives in the blast in Delhi. Discussed our bilateral ties, focusing on trade and supply chains. Exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, the Middle East/West Asia situation and Indo-Pacific.”
The discussions underscored the growing convergence between India and the United States on key global and regional priorities, particularly in ensuring resilient supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions.
Officials said both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic cooperation and fostering a transparent, rules-based international order.
Busy diplomatic schedule for Jaishankar
Jaishankar’s meeting with Rubio came amid a packed diplomatic agenda on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The minister also held talks with his counterparts from Canada, Mexico, France, Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Germany, highlighting India’s proactive diplomatic outreach.
India is attending the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as an invited partner under the Canadian presidency, alongside Brazil, Australia and South Korea. The two-day summit is focusing on global security, economic resilience, energy cooperation, and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, key areas where India’s strategic perspectives are increasingly valued by the grouping.
India’s role as Global South representative
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar’s participation in the summit highlights New Delhi’s “continued commitment to working with international partners” and its efforts to strengthen the voice of the Global South in global decision-making forums.
Analysts note that India’s engagement in G7 discussions reinforces its position as a bridge between advanced economies and developing nations, advocating equitable approaches to global challenges such as climate change, digital governance, and sustainable growth.
U.S.-India relations in focus
Jaishankar’s conversation with Rubio follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks that Washington is “very close” to finalising a new trade deal with India. During the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as U.S. ambassador to India, Trump praised his “fantastic relationship with Prime Minister Modi” and described India as one of America’s “most important international relationships.”
The potential trade agreement is expected to boost bilateral commerce and investment, particularly in technology, defence, and renewable energy sectors.
India and the U.S. have been expanding cooperation across critical domains, including semiconductors, clean energy, defence manufacturing, and strategic technologies, reflecting growing trust and mutual dependence in the evolving Indo-Pacific security landscape.
Conclusion
The Jaishankar–Rubio meeting at the G7 summit reinforces the strategic depth of the India–U.S. partnership and their shared vision for a stable, multipolar world order. With global tensions continuing in Ukraine and the Middle East, and economic uncertainties shaping the Indo-Pacific, the discussions highlight India’s pivotal role in shaping global policy dialogues alongside major powers.