Rubio, Jaishankar discuss need for early conclusion of bilateral trade agreement

US secretary of state Marco Rubio and India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar discussed and other issues related to the bilateral relationship during a phone call on Monday, 7 April, his spokesperson said.

“They also discussed US reciprocal tariffs on India and how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship,” state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

This was the first call between the two diplomats after US President Donald Trump announced his reciprocal tariffs on April 3. India has been slapped with 27 per cent reciprocal tariffs, which will come into effect on 9 April.

Good to speak with @SecRubio today.

Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean.

Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Look forward to remaining in touch.…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 7, 2025

“The secretary and external affairs minister affirmed the strength of the U.S.-India strategic partnership and discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region,” Bruce said.

In a post on X on the phone conversation, Jaishankar said they spoke on the importance of the early conclusion of the bilateral trade agreement between India and the US.

He also said that he and Rubio exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Middle East and the Caribbean.

“Good to speak with @SecRubio today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean,” he said.

“Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the bilateral trade agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch,” Jaishankar added.

Courtesy: 5wh.com