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S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, stated that during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, he expressed concerns regarding the delays in visa procedures. On his second trip back to the White House, US President Donald Trump named Marco Rubio secretary of state.
ndia’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, concluded a significant three-day visit to Washington, where he engaged with key members of the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, addressing critical issues, and emphasizing mutual priorities.
Dr. Jaishankar: Visa Delays Impacting India-US Relations
During a briefing following his meeting with Secretary Rubio, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s concerns regarding prolonged US visa delays. He emphasized how these delays negatively impact business, tourism, and the overall foundation of the India-US relationship.
“When it came to various regulations and processes, I also flagged some concerns which are very widespread in India about delays in visas. And you know the relationship is not well-served if it takes that many days for people to get a visa,” said Jaishankar.
He further noted that the delays hinder people-to-people interactions, a cornerstone of the strong ties between the two nations. “Ultimately those visa delays do impact business, they do affect tourism… They in many ways constrain the people-to-people interaction, which is the foundation of our relationship,” he added.
Dr. Jaishankar’s Representation at Trump’s Inauguration
Dr. Jaishankar also addressed the significance of his front-row seat at Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 29. He stated that his presence was a reflection of India’s importance to the US and the respect accorded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy.
“The special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is naturally treated with great respect,” he remarked.
At the invitation of the US government, Jaishankar represented India at the historic ceremony, signaling the importance both nations place on their evolving relationship.
Dr. Jaishankar’s Engagements with Key Officials
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar held several high-level meetings with members of the Trump administration’s cabinet. In addition to discussions with Secretary Rubio, he also met National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and participated in the inaugural Quad ministerial meeting with his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the US.
These engagements underscored the growing cooperation between India and the US in areas like defense, security, and regional stability.
Dr. Jaishankar Advancing the India-US Relationship
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the Trump administration’s eagerness to deepen ties with India. He mentioned the early phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump as a testament to the priority placed on this partnership.
“There is clearly an interest in taking the relationship forward. Now the exact mechanics of it, as and when we have something to tell you, we’d be happy to share with you,” said Jaishankar.
He added that his previous visit to establish initial contact with the US National Security Advisor had laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
India’s Strategic Importance Recognized by EAM Jaishankar
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that the Trump administration’s decision to invite India to the presidential inauguration signaled its intent to prioritize bilateral relations.
“I would say, one, it was very clear that the Trump administration was keen to have India present at the inaugural itself, and they’re clearly prioritizing the bilateral relationship,” he said.
