In Kuala Lumpur, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held detailed discussions on trade deals, strategic partnership, and global cooperation. India clarified that any agreement would be in line with its sovereignty and long-term interests.
New Delhi: The meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur is considered diplomatically very significant for both countries. This meeting comes at a time when discussions on the ongoing Trade Deal between India and the US are at a new juncture. During this, both leaders discussed several important issues related to trade, strategic cooperation, and global partnership.
Increased Tensions Over Trade Deal
The proposed trade agreement between India and the US has been under discussion for the past few months. However, disagreements on several key points are causing delays in the agreement. The US wants India to further open its market in certain sectors, while India insists that any deal will only proceed if it aligns with its long-term economic interests and sovereignty.
This Meeting is Crucial from a Diplomatic Perspective
The meeting in Kuala Lumpur was not limited to trade talks. Both leaders also discussed topics such as security in the Indo-Pacific region, mutual trust, and cooperation in the global supply chain. This meeting is taking place at a time when major global economies are redefining their trade relationships.
India's Clear Message: No Hasty Agreement
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal recently clarified that India will not rush into any trade agreement. He stated that India would not accept any conditions that limit its trade options. This statement reflects India's cautious stance, under which New Delhi is unwilling to compromise its national interests.
Goyal stated that India's approach is long-term. It is not limited to trade or exports in the next few months alone. He also added, "It's not just about selling steel to the US; it's a process of building a trusted partnership."
During the meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India's goal is not limited to market access or tariff-related matters. He explained, "Trade agreements are not merely economic deals; they lay the foundation for trust, long-term relationships, and global cooperation between two countries."
