India-US Reset In Focus: Jaishankar, Gor Discuss Defence, Trade, Critical Minerals Ahead Of EAM’s Washington Visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Thursday (January 29, 2026), signalling a renewed push to steady and strengthen India-US ties. The talks covered trade, defence cooperation and critical minerals, coming just days before Jaishankar’s expected visit to Washington for a high-level ministerial meeting.

The timing is significant, as both sides appear keen to move past recent tariff and trade frictions, along with rebuilding momentum in a partnership that has become central to their strategic calculus.

Jaishankar-Gor talks: What did the two say about engagement?

Following the meeting, Ambassador Gor described the interaction as “highly substantive,” saying the discussions spanned defence, trade and critical minerals while underlining efforts to work towards shared interests. His public remarks hinted at further bilateral engagement in the near term.

The meeting between the two leaders came just days ahead of EAM’s visit to the US. Jaishankar is expected to travel to the United States to attend a critical minerals ministerial hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC on Wednesday (February 4, 2026).

The inaugural meeting aims to boost global cooperation on resilient and diversified supply chains for critical minerals that are vital for electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence systems and advanced electronics.

The ministerial is expected to bring together key partner countries to align strategies on mineral exploration, processing and strategic stockpiling, at a time when supply chain security has emerged as a geopolitical priority.

How does this fit into India’s global supply chain strategy?

India’s participation reflects its growing role in efforts to diversify global supply chains, particularly as the US and its partners seek to reduce dependence on dominant suppliers, most notably China. New Delhi has increasingly positioned itself as both a reliable partner and a potential hub in emerging mineral and technology ecosystems.

For Washington, deeper cooperation with India fits into a broader strategy of “friend-shoring” critical inputs essential for the energy transition and advanced manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the engagement comes amid intensified India–US diplomatic activity. Earlier this month, Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Rubio, during which they discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence cooperation and wider energy ties. Officials indicated that Jaishankar may also hold bilateral talks with Rubio on the sidelines of the Washington ministerial.

What does Jaishankar’s visit signal for the future of India-US ties?

Jaishankar’s participation in the Washington meet is widely seen as a signal of India’s intent to play a shaping role in emerging international frameworks on critical minerals, a cornerstone of the global energy transition and future technology supply chains. More broadly, it reflects the growing strategic depth of India-US relations, as both sides work towards stabilising ties.

Recently, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting hosted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He said strengthening critical mineral supply chains is vital to enhancing the resilience of country’s manufacturing capabilities and rapidly growing electronics sector.