Jaishankar meets U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at Raisina Dialogue
NEW DELHI — India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Thursday on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, as the two sides discussed cooperation across a range of strategic and economic areas.
Landau is visiting India from March 3 to 6 to represent the United States at the Raisina Dialogue and advance policy priorities aligned with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.
According to the U.S. State Department, the deputy secretary’s visit includes meetings with senior Indian officials to discuss defense cooperation, critical minerals, and counternarcotics efforts, as well as initiatives to deepen commercial and economic ties.
“The Deputy Secretary will also meet with senior Indian officials to discuss bilateral cooperation on defence, critical minerals, and counternarcotics; deepen commercial and economic ties to increase market access for American businesses; and advance our shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the State Department said in a statement.
The meeting took place during the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, which opened in New Delhi on Thursday.
The three-day event is organized by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and brings together global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry executives, and strategic experts to discuss major international challenges.
The talks between Jaishankar and Landau come as India and the United States continue discussions on expanding trade and economic cooperation.
Last month, the two countries announced a framework for an interim agreement aimed at advancing negotiations toward a broader bilateral trade pact. The White House also announced a reduction in tariffs on certain imports from India as part of the effort.
According to a joint statement, the framework reaffirms both countries’ commitment to negotiating a U.S.-India Bilateral Trade Agreement. The talks were launched by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025.
Officials said the interim agreement is intended to deliver early results and help strengthen supply chains between the two economies.
“The Interim Agreement between the United States and India will represent a historic milestone in our countries’ partnership, demonstrating a common commitment to reciprocal and balanced trade based on mutual interests and concrete outcomes,” the announcement said.
Prime Minister Modi also held a phone conversation with President Trump last month, during which the two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation.
“President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights,” Modi said after the call. (Source: IANS)
