Jaishankar Meets US Congressional Delegation in Mumbai to Discuss Trade, Energy, Security and Technology

The US Congressmen visiting India on a fact-finding mission were welcomed in the city by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday, who discussed the various areas of bilateral trade, energy, security and technology with them ahead of their discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his official visit to India to strengthen bilateral ties.

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I was delighted to meet with the US Congressional delegation led by @RepJasonSmith, @DavidSchweikert, @RepStefanik, @RepOgles and @RepFriedmanCA in Mumbai today, Jaishankar wrote in a post on X. Appreciate their positive sentiments and interest in taking forward India-US ties.

“Specifically discussed trade, energy, security and technology aspects of our relationship. Also spoke about ease of doing business in India, and deepening of our Indo-Pacific cooperation,” he added.

The meeting comes as a forerunner to the official visit of Rubio to Mumbai on Tuesday, where he will have bilateral talks with Jaishankar and visit Jamnagar in Gujarat, an energy hub.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) says that Rubio will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 2:15 pm. He will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Taj Memorial within the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel at 3.40 pm and then bilateral talks with Jaishankar will also take place at the same venue.

Rubio will also be participating in the “Freedom 250 Reception” at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on Tuesday evening. He will go to Jamnagar on Wednesday.

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The visit takes place in the backdrop of reports that the much-anticipated trade pact between India and the United States is moving towards completion. Rubio told reporters in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Monday that Washington was making efforts to complete the deal.

“We're trying to finalise a trade deal with India right now. We're very close to doing that,” Rubio said.

He further pointed out India's energy needs as an factors that should be taken into account in evaluating possible sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil imports, calling India an important ally and partner of the United States.

Washington requires time to evaluate the economy effect of the proposed measures, which include their influence on world energy supplies and prices, Rubio said.

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