Jaishankar, US Senator Rubio Hold Talks on Key Global Challenges Amid Trade and Visa Tensions
India-US leaders reaffirm ties as tariff hikes and new visa rules test bilateral partnership.
New York, Sep 22: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday, as India and the US navigate tensions over tariffs and the H-1B visa programme.
The meeting came against the backdrop of Washington’s steep 50% tariff penalty on Indian goods following New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil and the controversial decision to hike annual H-1B visa fees to $100,000 — a move that India has warned will have humanitarian and economic consequences.
After the talks, Rubio described India as a relationship of “critical importance” to the US, underlining collaboration in trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific, including through the Quad framework.
Jaishankar said discussions covered “a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern,” stressing the need for “sustained engagement” to make progress in priority areas. The dialogue is being seen as part of efforts to bridge divides that have emerged in recent months, especially on trade and mobility.
The meeting also coincided with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s ongoing visit to the US, where trade negotiations are aimed at finalising a long-pending bilateral trade agreement. Officials said both tracks are crucial for stabilising India-US ties following recent strains.
Experts note that the new H-1B visa rules could significantly impact Indian IT professionals and US tech firms that rely on them, while steep tariffs threaten to disrupt trade flows.
