Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed on Monday that he held discussions with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed at finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two nations. The dialogue takes place in the shadow of growing trade tensions, following President Donald Trump's announcement of a 26% counter tariff on Indian exports.

"Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean," Jaishankar posted on social platform X. "Look forward to remaining in touch."

The meeting underscores a renewed effort by both New Delhi and Washington to stabilize economic ties amid retaliatory measures. The U.S. imposed the 26% tariff on April 2 in response to what it described as India's excessive 52% duties on American goods. The move has sparked concern among exporters and prompted swift diplomatic engagement.

Both sides reportedly discussed key geopolitical areas, indicating that the relationship is being shaped not just by economic policy but also strategic interests. The inclusion of regions such as the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East in their talks reflects broader alignment goals beyond trade.

Despite the current trade friction, officials from both governments remain optimistic about reaching an agreement. India's approach to de-escalate the situation comes as it seeks to maintain stable ties with one of its most important global partners. Likewise, the U.S. continues to encourage free and fair trade, even as it enforces strong countermeasures under Trump's economic strategy.

The prospect of a finalized trade deal could mark a turning point in the current dispute and set the stage for deeper collaboration across economic and strategic fronts. Observers expect further discussions and formal negotiations to follow in the coming weeks.