Indo-US defence ties: EAM Jaishankar pushes ‘Make in India’ approach in talks with Marco Rubio

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Sunday underlined the importance of incorporating the “Make in India” approach in future defence cooperation between India and the United States during talks with US secretary of state Marco Rubio in New Delhi.

Addressing a joint press conference after delegation-level talks, Jaishankar said the two sides discussed defence cooperation under the renewed 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement.

“Where defence and security cooperation is concerned, you're all aware that the 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement was recently renewed. A comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap was also signed. We discussed the importance of taking into account the Make in India approach and lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward in the defence domain,” Jaishankar said.



India and the US had signed the “framework for the US-India major defence partnership” in October last year on the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

The agreement is aimed at deepening defence ties and providing strategic direction for military cooperation over the next decade.

Energy security, trade and nuclear cooperation discussed

Jaishankar said energy security was another major focus of discussions, stressing that ensuring affordable and accessible energy for India’s 1.4 billion people remains the government’s top priority.

“Secretary and I therefore welcome the expansion in our energy trade in recent months. Diversified supplies are at the heart of energy security for India,” he said.

The minister also said both sides discussed nuclear energy cooperation following the passage of the Shanti Act, which he said had opened “new possibilities” for collaboration in the sector.

“We hope to realise the potential of cooperation in the nuclear domain. I also raised with the secretary some regulatory issues that we have on the American side,” he added.

Jaishankar further said India and the US spoke about concluding the final text of an interim trade agreement at an early date, calling it an important step towards a broader bilateral trade deal envisioned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit in February 2025.

Talks also focused on Indo-Pacific and global conflicts

The external affairs minister said discussions also covered critical minerals, semiconductors and artificial intelligence cooperation, including collaboration through the Quad and the US-led Pax Silica initiative.

“As India’s semiconductors and AI capabilities advance, this cooperation will be more prominent in the days to come,” he said.

Jaishankar noted that upcoming talks would focus on developments in the Gulf region, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

He reiterated India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, stressing the need for safe maritime commerce, adherence to international law and resilient supply chains.

Rubio calls India a ‘strategic ally’

Rubio described India as a “strategic ally” and said the India-US partnership extends beyond regional cooperation to global coordination.

“The United States and India aren't just allies; we're strategic allies,” Rubio said during the talks.

He added that the relationship was already “solid and strong” and that the current engagement was aimed at building further cooperation across defence, trade, critical technologies and security.

Rubio also met Prime Minister Modi on Saturday, during which both sides discussed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and regional security issues, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.