Jaishankar to Meet Rubio at UN General Assembly

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Monday, as reported by Indian media. This meeting will occur during the 80th UN General Assembly.

This marks the first encounter between the two leaders following a significant diplomatic shift, where Washington raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last month, largely due to India’s ongoing imports of Russian oil.

Trade Talks on the Agenda

Concurrently, India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal will also be in Washington for discussions surrounding a long-awaited trade agreement. Recent talks between US and Indian officials have been labeled as “positive” by sources in New Delhi.

Goyal has emphasized that India will not budge on its agricultural priorities, stating that farmer welfare remains paramount during any negotiations. The ongoing trade disputes primarily revolve around the US’s requests for greater market access versus India’s need to safeguard its extensive farming population.

Modi Advocates for Local Products

In a public address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged citizens to reject foreign goods and support local products. This appeal aligns with his government’s agenda of self-reliance amid the recent tensions in trade relations with the US.

His remarks were made on the eve of substantial tax cuts on essential goods, aimed at enhancing consumer demand following the recently imposed tariffs by the US.

Impact of New H-1B Visa Regulations

The Indian delegation’s visit occurs amid uncertainties surrounding US immigration policies. Recently, President Trump announced a drastic increase in fees for H-1B visa applications from approximately $1,700 to a staggering $100,000.

This new fee structure has raised eyebrows within the Indian tech industry, which has significantly benefited from this visa category. According to US statistics, a staggering 71% of approved H-1B visas last year were granted to Indian nationals, fostering a wave of Indian talent in international tech firms.

New Delhi has urged Washington to reconsider these new regulations, emphasizing the benefits of skilled talent mobility while urging consideration of humanitarian impacts.

Conclusion

The upcoming meetings between Indian and US officials underscore the complexities of current Indo-US relations. With trade talks revitalizing and immigration policies shifting, both nations face critical discussions that could redefine their future interactions.

Published: 2025-09-22 08:36:00 | Source: www.dw.com