Rubio Calls India-US Partnership 'Vitally Important'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed the importance of the India-US strategic partnership after meeting External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings.

Always good to see my friend, Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar on the sidelines of ASEAN.

We discussed regional security issues, the Quad, trade, and defense agreements. Our relationship with India is vitally important. pic.twitter.com/Ji7umqLO7K

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 22, 2026

Sharing details of the interaction on social media, Rubio wrote, "Always good to see my friend, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar on the sidelines of ASEAN."

He said the two leaders held discussions on a range of key issues, including regional security, the Quad, trade, and defence agreements, underscoring the broad scope of cooperation between New Delhi and Washington.

Rubio also emphasized the significance of the bilateral partnership, stating, "Our relationship with India is vitally important."

The meeting reflects the continued momentum in India-US engagement, with both countries strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, economic partnerships, defence collaboration, and regional stability through platforms such as the Quad.