External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, where they engaged in discussions on bilateral relations as well as regional and global matters, while trade negotiations between India and the United States continue to progress.
The bilateral meeting occurred on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
"Glad to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues," Jaishankar posted on X.
This encounter took place against the backdrop of an anticipated bilateral trade deal between India and the US, which an official described as being "very near" to finalisation.
To date, five rounds of negotiations have been completed for the initial phase of the bilateral trade agreement between the two nations.
The previous day, on Sunday, Jaishankar conducted separate meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
The 11-member ASEAN is regarded as one of the most influential regional blocs, with India and several other countries—including the US, China, Japan, and Australia—serving as its dialogue partners. Malaysia, in its role as the current chair of the grouping, is hosting the annual ASEAN summit and associated meetings in Kuala Lumpur.
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