Jaishankar, Rubio discuss India-U.S. ties, global issues on ASEAN sidelines

By Admin

27 Oct, 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday (October 27, 2025), on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations and addressing key regional and global challenges, as both countries continue to engage in crucial trade negotiations.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar said, “Glad to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues.” The meeting came at a critical juncture, as the proposed India-U.S. bilateral trade deal is reportedly in its final stages. According to officials, five rounds of talks have already been completed for the first phase of the agreement, which aims to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.

The discussions between Jaishankar and Rubio also reflected the growing strategic alignment between India and the United States, especially in areas such as Indo-Pacific security, technology cooperation, and global supply chain resilience. Both nations have been key players in promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region   a central theme in ASEAN’s ongoing deliberations.

On Sunday, ahead of his meeting with Rubio, Mr. Jaishankar held separate talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. These discussions further underlined India’s active diplomatic outreach in Southeast Asia and its commitment to enhancing cooperation with ASEAN nations.

The 11-member ASEAN bloc remains one of the most influential regional groupings, with India, the U.S., China, Japan, and Australia among its dialogue partners. As the current chair, Malaysia is hosting the annual ASEAN summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on strengthening regional connectivity, economic resilience, and strategic partnerships amid global uncertainties.

The Jaishankar-Rubio dialogue highlights the deepening India-U.S. partnership, setting a positive tone for greater collaboration across economic, geopolitical, and regional fronts, while reinforcing their shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.