The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday, focusing on cooperation in areas of trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy and defence. The phone call came a day after newly appointed US ambassador Sergio Gor said there would be some contact between the two sides on the trade issue.

The External Affairs Minister said he had a good conversation with Mr Rubio and that they agreed to remain in touch. In a social media post, Dr Jaishankar said he just concluded a good conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy. He said that both also agreed to remain in touch on these and other issues.