India-US deepen strategic dialogue as Jaishankar meets Rubio at the ASEAN summit
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday and held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key regional and global challenges. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur.
“Glad to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The talks come as India and the US near the conclusion of their long-anticipated bilateral trade deal. According to officials, five rounds of negotiations have already been completed for the first phase of the agreement, with both sides optimistic about a final outcome soon.
The two leaders also discussed the evolving security and economic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, a key focus area for both nations amid rising strategic competition.
A day earlier, Jaishankar held separate meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, underscoring India’s growing engagement with ASEAN nations.
Malaysia, currently chairing the 11-nation ASEAN bloc, is hosting the annual summit and related meetings, which are being attended by several major powers including the US, China, Japan, and Australia.
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