Russian Oil and Record Tariffs: Jaishankar's High-Stakes US Mission to Tackle Strained India-US Trade Ties
Jaishankar is expected to hold significant bilateral talks with Secretary Rubio and other senior members of the US administration.
Russian Oil and Record Tariffs: Jaishankar’s High-Stakes US Mission to Tackle Strained India-US Trade Ties
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has embarked on a high-stakes official visit to the United States starting from February 2, 2026. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is centred on his participation in the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The visit comes at a sensitive juncture for India-US relations, which have faced recent strain due to trade disagreements. Beyond the ministerial meeting, Jaishankar is expected to hold significant bilateral talks with Secretary Rubio and other senior members of the US administration. These discussions are aimed at reviewing the comprehensive global strategic partnership and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
Strategic focus areas include building resilient supply chains and advancing clean energy transitions. However, the visit is also seen as a vital opportunity to address the ongoing "tariff war" and stalled trade deal negotiations.
The partnership is currently navigating a period of severe stress triggered by a 50 per cent hike in US tariffs on Indian goods, which included an additional 25 per cent duty over Russian oil imports. In addition to these trade hurdles, the relationship has been impacted by Washington’s recent immigration shifts and the controversy surrounding President Trump’s May 2025 claim regarding the resolution of the India-Pakistan conflict.
Source: The Tribune