India, US Discuss Energy Security, Civil Nuclear Cooperation and Strategic Technology
New York — India and the United States discussed energy security, civil nuclear cooperation, strategic technology and the recently enacted Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act during a meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker in New York.
Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra and other officials also attended the meeting.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the discussions covered a broad range of bilateral issues, including energy security, the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, known as SRIA, civil nuclear cooperation, the Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology initiative and the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture initiative.
“They discussed developments across the broad spectrum of India-US bilateral cooperation, including energy security and the recently enacted SRIA, civil nuclear cooperation, TRUST and the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture initiative,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Misri also met U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg in New York, with the two sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
“Both sides agreed to further advance India-U.S. cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including through the Pax Silica initiative, and strengthen supply-chain resilience through cooperation in semiconductors and critical minerals,” the ministry said.
The meetings followed talks Wednesday between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who discussed possible sanctions against countries conducting business with Russia and Iran.
According to the U.S. State Department, the talks also covered energy security, developments in the Middle East and the broader U.S.-India Strategic Partnership.
“The two also discussed sanctions that could be levelled against states that engage economically with Russia and Iran,” the State Department said.
The department did not identify which countries could face sanctions, specify the economic activities under consideration or announce any sanctions decision.
Rubio also said the United States was well positioned to help regional partners address energy security challenges.
“The Secretary emphasised that the United States remains well-positioned to help regional partners address their energy security challenges,” the department said.
Rubio and Jaishankar also reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
“The two officials reaffirmed the important role the US-India Strategic Partnership continues to play in promoting a safe, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the State Department said.
The two ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Jaishankar said in a post on X that he reiterated India’s position on the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act during the meeting.
“Good to meet Secretary Marco Rubio of the US at UN High Level Week. Reiterated India’s interests and concerns with regard to SRIA. Also discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations,” he said. (Source: IANS)
