Why External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is Visiting the U.S.: Critical Minerals Ministerial Hosted by Marco Rubio

New Delhi: Amid ongoing discussions on a potential trade deal between India and the United States, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit the U.S. from February 2 to 4, 2026. During this two-day visit, he will participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial, convened by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Purpose of the Visit
The ministerial will focus on strengthening supply chains, promoting clean energy transitions, and fostering strategic cooperation in critical minerals. Key materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and defense systems—will be central to the discussions.

Strategic Timing
This visit comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between India and the U.S., following recent tariff measures imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Jaishankar is expected to hold meetings with senior members of the U.S. administration, making the visit crucial for bilateral trade and strategic dialogues.

Significance of the Critical Minerals Ministerial
The ministerial, hosted in Washington D.C., aims to bring together partner countries to ensure a secure and resilient supply chain for critical minerals. By fostering international collaboration, the forum seeks to support the global clean energy transition while addressing strategic needs in defense and technology sectors.

Outlook
While the primary focus is on critical minerals, the visit could also serve as an opportunity for India and the U.S. to advance trade discussions and strengthen overall bilateral cooperation in energy, technology, and strategic sectors.