‘US-India Energy Trade Has Seen An Uptick’: Jaishankar In Joint Briefing With Rubio

Last Updated:May 24, 2026, 13:50 IST

India and the US stress de-risking energy supplies amid Iran conflict, seek low global fuel prices, expand energy trade, and deepen Quad, nuclear, minerals, and AI cooperation

India and the United States on Sunday stressed the importance of stable energy supplies and low global fuel prices amid concerns arising from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the current global situation highlighted the need for “de-risking" energy supplies.

“This is an era of de-risking… energy requires de-risking. The US has emerged as one of the most reliable suppliers," Jaishankar said.

Focus on affordable energy

Jaishankar said both India and the US had a strong interest in ensuring that global energy prices remain low and that energy sources remain widely available.

“India and US are concerned. We both have a very strong interest in ensuring globally energy prices are kept low. Energy sources are more available," he said.

He added that both countries would continue to pursue their own national interests and energy policies.

“We are both countries, each one of us have our own national interests and policies. Safe and unimpeded commerce and accessible energy sources are important meeting points," Jaishankar stated.

The minister stressed that India’s primary responsibility was ensuring affordable and accessible energy for its population of 1.4 billion people.

“We (Jaishankar and Rubio) spent some time today discussing energy issues, and as you are all aware, our government’s fundamental responsibility is to address the needs of 1.4 billion people," he said.

“Obviously, ensuring the accessibility and affordability of energy for them is our prime objective," he added.

India-US energy trade

Jaishankar welcomed recent growth in energy trade between India and the United States.

“Secretary Rubio and I welcomed recent cooperation between India and the US in the energy sector," he said.

He also referred to an “uptick" in India-US energy trade in recent months.

The comments come despite earlier sanctions imposed by the US on India for purchasing Russian oil.

Jaishankar also underlined the importance of maintaining multiple energy sources for India’s long-term energy security.

“It is crucial for India to have multiple sources for energy security," he said.

He further added that keeping global energy prices low remained important for sustainable global economic growth.

Quad and Indo-Pacific discussions

The two leaders also discussed cooperation under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue framework.

Jaishankar said the Quad had originally begun during President Donald Trump’s first administration.

“We met on the first day of Secretary Rubio… it was for a Quad meeting," he said.

He noted that India and the US had already held two Quad meetings last year.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar said the Indo-Pacific region would become increasingly important due to growing trade and maritime activity.

“Two days from now you will see us on the podium talking about Quad," he added.

Talks on nuclear cooperation and AI

Jaishankar also confirmed that both sides discussed civil nuclear cooperation during the meeting.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation on critical minerals and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“All of you know the importance of critical minerals. Our two nations have been cooperating bilaterally in the Quad format and also as a like-minded group," he said.

Jaishankar said India had joined the Pax Silica initiative and was also part of the Forge initiative.

Referring to the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi in February, he said the event had demonstrated the “enormous potential" of the India-US relationship.

“We will naturally be encouraging our businesses dealing with AI," he added.

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