Foreign Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (5 February 2026) regarding trade. The Foreign Minister said that the historic trade deal between India and America is in the final stages and all aspects related to it will be completed very soon. This conversation between Jaishankar and Marco Rubio in Washington DC took place at a time when America has removed tariffs on India.
Trade deal will improve relations between the two countries: Jaishankar
Foreign Minister Jaishankar said that this trade deal will open a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. Apart from confirmation of reduction in US tariffs, including removal of 25 per cent tariff imposed by Washington on India on purchases of crude oil from Russia, no concrete details have been revealed so far about the trade agreement. Jaishankar posted on social media and described his America visit as meaningful and positive.
India-US trade deal in final stages: Jaishankar
He said, ‘The historic trade agreement between India and America is in the final stages and its details will be finalized soon. This marks the beginning of a new phase in our bilateral relations, opening up immense possibilities for relations between the two countries. The Foreign Minister said, ‘Our cooperation related to important minerals is also progressing rapidly. Cooperation is expected on strategic issues, defense and energy in the coming days.
Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality.
The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for… pic.twitter.com/r3O20XJL90
—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 5, 2026
Foreign Minister’s statement on India-US relations
“Overall, a strong momentum is clearly visible,” he said. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is on a visit to Washington DC to attend the US-led ministerial meeting on critical minerals. Bitterness increased in India-America relations when Trump doubled the tariff on Indian goods to 50 percent. This also includes an additional duty of 25 percent on the purchase of Russian crude oil by India.
Apart from tariffs, relations also deteriorated on several other issues, including Trump’s claim in May last year to end the India-Pakistan conflict and Washington’s new immigration policy.
