External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of UNGA in New York. The talks came amid H-1B visa fee hike and Trump’s tariff move on India.
Summary – Key Takeaways
- S Jaishankar Meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio : The meeting took place on the sidelines of UNGA in New York.
- Trade deal push: Both sides seek an early conclusion of a long-pending trade agreement.
- Visa fee shock: US hikes H-1B visa fees to $100,000, impacting India’s IT sector.
- Tariff tensions: Trump’s additional 25% tariff raises trade challenges for India.
- Next steps: Piyush Goyal leads India’s delegation for trade negotiations in New York.
India-US Talks Take Center Stage at UNGA
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Monday, September 22, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Their meeting came at a critical juncture, as both countries prepared for discussions aimed at concluding a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement.
The meeting, held at Lotte New York Palace, was the first direct interaction between Jaishankar and Rubio following US President Donald Trump’s imposition of an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods — taking total levies to 50%.
Jaishankar-Rubio Meeting: Key Highlights
Sharing details on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote, “Good to meet Marco Rubio this morning in New York. Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch.”
The discussions touched upon strategic priorities, economic ties, and pressing global challenges. Both leaders underlined the importance of closer engagement to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Trade Talks in Focus
Alongside Jaishankar’s diplomatic outreach, a high-level Indian delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also arrived in New York. The team is expected to continue negotiations with the US side, with an emphasis on finalizing a “mutually beneficial” trade deal.
According to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, “positive discussions” during recent interactions with the US Trade Representative’s office had paved the way for intensified efforts this month.
H-1B Visa Fee Hike Concerns
The timing of the talks is significant, as the US recently announced a steep increase in H-1B visa application fees, raising the cost to $100,000 (about ₹88 lakh). The move has sent shockwaves through India’s $285-billion IT industry, which remains heavily dependent on H-1B visas for onshore projects.
Industry body Nasscom warned that the hike could disrupt business continuity, while several global firms urged employees to either remain in the US or return promptly. Last year, India accounted for 71% of all H-1B approvals, making the country the hardest hit by the new policy.
US officials have defended the decision, stating that the measure aims to curb “overuse” of the visa program and ensure only highly skilled professionals enter the American workforce, thereby protecting jobs for US citizens.
What Lies Ahead
Jaishankar is set to continue a series of bilateral and multilateral engagements throughout the UNGA week. He will deliver India’s national statement at the General Debate on September 27.
Meanwhile, the India-US dialogue on tariffs, visas, and trade is expected to dominate discussions in the days ahead. With Washington tightening its immigration policies and New Delhi pushing for a fair trade framework, the talks will likely determine the next chapter of India-US economic relations.