Jaishankar and Rubio hold warm talks on India-U.S. ties
The meeting unfolded warmly on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit, where leaders discussed regional cooperation and shared global concerns.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday (October 27, 2025) in Kuala Lumpur, engaging in a candid and forward-looking discussion on India-U.S. relations. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, which Malaysia is hosting this year as the chair of the influential regional bloc.
The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties, regional dynamics, and pressing global challenges at a time when New Delhi and Washington are working to conclude a long-anticipated trade agreement. “Glad to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues,” Mr. Jaishankar posted on X, highlighting the constructive tone of the meeting.
According to officials familiar with the ongoing talks, the proposed trade deal between India and the U.S. is now “very near” completion. Both sides have already concluded five rounds of negotiations covering the first phase of the agreement. The deal is expected to address long-standing issues related to tariffs, market access, and technology cooperation, while also setting the stage for deeper economic integration between the two democracies.
Observers say the timing of Jaishankar’s meeting with Rubio is significant. The world is witnessing heightened economic uncertainty, with global supply chains being reshaped amid geopolitical tensions. India and the U.S., as strategic partners, are exploring ways to enhance collaboration in emerging sectors such as clean energy, semiconductors, and digital trade—areas that could define the next phase of their economic relationship.
Diplomatic sources described the conversation as “warm, pragmatic, and forward-looking,” with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the Indo-Pacific partnership. The two sides also exchanged views on developments in the South China Sea, the Ukraine conflict, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—issues that have dominated discussions at the ASEAN summit this year.
The ASEAN meeting itself has drawn global attention, bringing together leaders and foreign ministers from across Asia and beyond. The 11-nation bloc remains one of the most influential platforms for regional diplomacy, with India, the U.S., China, Japan, and Australia serving as dialogue partners. Kuala Lumpur, draped in flags and filled with delegations from across the world, has become a hub of high-level diplomacy this week.
On Sunday, ahead of his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar held separate discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. These back-to-back meetings reflect India’s growing diplomatic outreach in Southeast Asia, consistent with its “Act East” policy aimed at strengthening ties with ASEAN nations.
During his interactions, Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region—an agenda that closely aligns with U.S. strategic interests. The convergence of priorities between New Delhi and Washington has been particularly evident in recent months, as both sides have deepened cooperation through initiatives such as the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
While the final contours of the India-U.S. trade agreement are yet to be revealed, officials from both countries remain optimistic. The deal, once signed, could mark a major milestone in their economic partnership, opening up new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides.
As the day’s meetings drew to a close, there was a clear sense of optimism in the air. With constructive engagement, shared values, and a mutual understanding of the global stakes, the Jaishankar–Rubio dialogue added another chapter to the evolving India-U.S. relationship—one built on trust, pragmatism, and a shared vision for a more stable and prosperous world.