India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defense, and energy cooperation. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch on these issues. The conversation occurred amid ongoing India-US trade negotiations and follows the assumption of charge by the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who indicated continued engagement and a potential meeting next month. India is also expected to be invited to join the US-led Pax Silica initiative focused on securing critical supply chains.