‘Terrorism A Shared Challenge’: Jaishankar Says Talks With Rubio To Focus On Gulf Situation

Last Updated:May 24, 2026, 12:47 IST

S Jaishankar said terrorism remains a shared challenge for India and the US as he held talks with Rubio, adding that discussions would focus heavily on developments in the Gulf.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India and the United States share a “very deep, very broad-based cooperation" and asserted that terrorism remains a common challenge for both countries, as he held delegation-level talks with visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi.

Addressing the media alongside Rubio at Hyderabad House, Jaishankar said discussions between the two sides would prominently revolve around developments in the Gulf and the wider West Asia region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

He also underlined the importance of strategic coordination between New Delhi and Washington on defence, trade, energy and emerging technologies.

‘COMMON CHALLENGE IS TERRORISM’

Highlighting counter-terror cooperation between India and the US, Jaishankar said terrorism was among the key shared concerns between the two democracies.

“India and US have common interest but shared challenges. Common is terrorism. Our position is very clear. We appreciated strong cooperation between concerned agencies in this domain," Jaishankar said.

The minister added that India and the United States continue to maintain regular engagement at multiple levels and noted that Rubio’s visit marked another important milestone in bilateral ties.

“This is Secretary’s first visit to India. We have been in regular touch. We also met on the sidelines of other events. We had continuous engagements," Jaishankar said.

TALKS TO REVOLVE AROUND GULF, WEST ASIA

Jaishankar said regional developments in West Asia featured prominently during the interactions and indicated that the two sides would continue detailed discussions over lunch regarding the Gulf situation.

“In our discussion at the embassy we discussed perspective on West Asia… Over lunch will discuss Gulf… Few things have happened as you know," he said.

The remarks came amid heightened diplomatic activity around Iran and negotiations involving the United States and regional stakeholders. During his India visit, Rubio also spoke about ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Tehran and reiterated Washington’s stance that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons.

Rubio told reporters that “some progress" had been made in the negotiations between the US and Iran and hinted that there could be developments in the coming days. He also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open for shipping without tolls.

‘COMPREHENSIVE GLOBAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP’

During the talks, Jaishankar described India-US ties as a “comprehensive global strategic partnership" that influences developments across multiple regions.

“We have a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which I think in plain language means that we have a very deep, very broad-based cooperation and a relationship that impacts and influences other regions and the world," he said.

He added, “We have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world. These are complicated times but as strong partners I’m very confident we’ll have very open and productive discussions."

Rubio, in turn, described India as one of America’s most important strategic partners and said the relationship goes far beyond a regional framework.

“The United States and India aren’t just allies; we’re strategic allies, and that’s of critical importance," Rubio said.

He further said, “This is not about restoring or reinvigorating… This is about continuing to build on what is already a very solid and strong strategic partnership."

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