EAM Jaishankar to meet US Secretary of State Rubio in New York amid trade, visa tensions
The meeting is aimed at improving bilateral relations and bridging the gap that has widened in past few months. The two leaders had last met in Washington in July and earlier in January this year. However, this is their first face-to-face meeting since the Trump administration imposed fresh tariffs on India.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York today on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at a time when the ties between the countries are under strain over tariffs and visa restrictions.
According to reports, the meeting is aimed at improving bilateral relations and bridging the gap that has widened in past few months. The two leaders had last met in Washington in July and earlier in January this year. However, this is their first face-to-face meeting since the Trump administration imposed fresh tariffs on India.
Trump's 50% tariff on India
President Donald Trump had levied a 50 per cent tariff on India -- 25 per cent tariff hike and an additional 25 per cent penalty over India's purchase of Russian oil. The tariff decision, coupled with the increase in H-1B visa fees that has hit thousands of Indian professionals and companies, has added to tensions.
The Jaishankar-Rubio meeting coincides with ongoing trade talks led by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in New York with a delegation to push for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement. The Commerce Ministry said discussions with the US Trade Representative's office last week in India had been "positive" and both sides agreed to intensify efforts.
Jaishankar in US for UNGA
Jaishankar arrived in New York on Sunday, beginning his UNGA engagements with a bilateral meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa P Lazaro. The two discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and ways to follow up on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s state visit to India last month.
During his week in New York, the EAM will hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings and also deliver India's national statement at the General Debate on September 27.