Goyal part of EAM-Rubio dialogue on tariffs: MEA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused on trade and tariffs during their September 22 meeting in New York, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who had concluded trade talks and returned, also joined the discussions.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, was the first high-level engagement between Jaishankar and Rubio since Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports last month.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed at a media briefing that US Trade Representative officials also participated. “The focus of the discussion was on trade and tariffs. Other aspects of the bilateral relationship were also discussed,” he said.

According to the US State Department, Rubio appreciated India’s continued engagement on a range of issues, including trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals.

The MEA said the two sides also discussed recent changes in US visa rules, particularly those concerning H-1B work permits. Jaiswal noted that the Department of Homeland Security had issued a notice on proposed rule-making and invited industry comments. “Skilled talent mobility and exchanges between India and the US have significantly contributed to innovation, wealth creation, economic growth and competitiveness in both economies. We hope these factors will receive due consideration,” he said.

The Jaishankar-Rubio meeting came amid escalating trade frictions, with Washington imposing a 50 per cent duty on key Indian products, citing New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow. The recent hike in H-1B visa fees has also added to concerns among Indian IT firms.

Meanwhile, Goyal, who led a high-level delegation to the US earlier this week, held “constructive meetings” with senior American officials to push for an early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement announced in February, aimed at raising bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

According to the Commerce Ministry, Goyal met Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, and Sergio Gor, US Ambassador-designate to India, besides engaging with US businesses and investors. American corporate leaders reportedly expressed strong confidence in India’s growth story and signalled intent to expand operations and investment.

Officials said further engagements are planned to build on the momentum generated during the visit.