On Sunday in New Delhi, India and the United States held high-level bilateral talks aimed at strengthening their comprehensive global strategic partnership, even as tensions in West Asia continued to shape the regional and global energy landscape.External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Hyderabad House during Rubio’s four-day visit to India.

The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including defence cooperation, energy security, trade, technology, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, counter-terrorism, and broader people-to-people ties.

A significant focus of the meeting was the ongoing conflict in West Asia, particularly the disruptions in global energy supplies caused by tensions involving Iran and the reported impact on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global crude oil shipments.

India highlighted its concerns about the impact of supply disruptions on its energy imports and stressed the importance of stable and affordable energy flows, given its heavy dependence on imports and the welfare of millions of Indian nationals living in the region.

Both sides reviewed cooperation under their strategic partnership framework and reaffirmed their commitment to resilient global supply chains and rules-based international order.

Jaishankar emphasised India’s position on prioritising diplomacy, respecting international law, ensuring safe maritime commerce, and avoiding the weaponisation of economic dependencies.

US Secretary Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s view that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and described India as a key strategic and trade partner.

The leaders also discussed immigration-related issues, trade relations, and counter-terrorism cooperation, including extradition efforts such as that of Tahawwur Rana.

Additionally, they reviewed preparations for the upcoming Quad foreign ministers’ meeting, underscoring the importance of Indo-Pacific cooperation among democratic maritime nations.

The talks reflected an effort by both countries to maintain strong strategic alignment despite regional instability and global geopolitical uncertainty.