India and the US have taken steps to strengthen their ties amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing ways to enhance cooperation in defence, energy, technology, and critical minerals.
Jaishankar and Rubio met for bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, where they reviewed collaboration under the ambit of their comprehensive global strategic partnership, including trade, energy, defence, and security.
The two sides also discussed the situation in West Asia, with Jaishankar emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts, safe and unimpeded maritime commerce, and scrupulous respect for international law.
Rubio described India as 'one of our most important strategic partners' and a 'leading trade partner', and sought to dispel the impression that bilateral relations had lost momentum due to past incidents.
The two sides held frank discussions on trade, US immigration policies, and energy supply disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, which was triggered by the US and Israel's attacks on Iran in February.
Jaishankar told a joint news conference that India is one of the few countries with strong relations with all parties to the West Asia conflict, including the US, Israel, and Iran, and with 'real interests' in the region.
The two sides also agreed to intensify cooperation bilaterally and at international forums against terrorism, and looked ahead to the Quad foreign ministers' meeting on Tuesday.
