India’s energy landscape is undergoing a rapid shift, with major investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and infrastructure aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070….reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has pitched for a deeper energy partnership with the US, meeting Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington, DC. The meeting underscored India’s ongoing energy transition and its ambition to collaborate more closely with the United States on clean energy solutions, innovation, and sustainability.
In a post on X, Jaishankar called the meeting “a useful conversation,” adding, “Spoke about the energy transformation underway in India. And opportunities for a deeper India-US energy partnership.”
India’s energy landscape is undergoing a rapid shift, with major investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and infrastructure aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. With the US being a global leader in energy technology and innovation, the bilateral partnership is increasingly viewed as pivotal in addressing climate goals, energy security, and economic growth.
The energy dialogue marked the beginning of a wide-ranging diplomatic engagement in Washington. Jaishankar’s visit, at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, included high-level meetings with senior US officials, participation in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM), and bilateral discussions with Quad partners Japan and Australia.
At the Pentagon, Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, where both sides reaffirmed the centrality of defence ties in the India-US strategic relationship. “Great to meet @SecDef Pete Hegseth in Washington DC today. Had a productive conversation on advancing the India-US defence partnership, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities,” Jaishankar posted on X.
Defence cooperation has emerged as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, with growing convergence on security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. India and the US have expanded joint military exercises, technology transfers, and defence trade in recent years. Jaishankar’s meeting with Hegseth highlighted areas such as interoperability, maritime security, and shared responsibilities in regional stability.
In addition to energy and defence, counterterrorism and law enforcement collaboration were also key areas of discussion. Jaishankar met with FBI Director Kash Patel and praised the partnership in tackling organised crime, narcotics trafficking, and terrorism. “Great to meet @FBIDirectorKash today. Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism,” he wrote.
Jaishankar also held a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Their conversation focused on global security trends and intelligence cooperation. “A good exchange on the global situation and our bilateral cooperation,” Jaishankar noted.
The highlight of the visit was the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where Jaishankar joined Secretary Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The meeting, held in Washington DC, built on prior discussions and was aimed at enhancing the Quad’s focus and deliverables.
“Just finished a very productive meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers,” Jaishankar said on X. “Discussed how to make Quad more focused and impactful on contemporary opportunities and challenges. Today’s gathering will strengthen strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific and keep it free and open.”
Several new initiatives were launched during the meeting, most notably the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, which aims to secure supply chains for key resources needed in clean technology, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing. “This would be focused particularly on the mineral recovery, which is very important for all of us,” Jaishankar said.
The Quad also announced progress on other projects:
– The Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, which will soon hold its first field training exercise.
– The Quad at Sea Ship Observer Mission, involving coast guard participation across the four countries.
– A new Quad Ports of the Future partnership, focused on resilient port infrastructure and shipbuilding.
– An expert-level maritime legal dialogue to be held later this month.
– Expansion of maritime domain awareness through India’s Gurugram Fusion Centre.
– Collaboration on cable connectivity and digital infrastructure resilience.
Jaishankar also noted that a Quad business roundtable on critical minerals was held in parallel with participation from firms across all four countries.
On the sidelines of the QFMM, Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with all his Quad counterparts. His conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya focused on preparations for the upcoming India–Japan Prime Ministerial Summit. “We are very confident that we could add to the dynamism and quality of our relationship,” he said, referencing the recent interaction between Prime Ministers Modi and Ishiba at the G7 Summit in Canada.
With Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, Jaishankar highlighted the deepening trust and shared priorities of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. “Good as always to catch up… Look forward to welcoming her in India,” he wrote.
In his meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar reviewed the entire spectrum of India-US relations—from trade and connectivity to security and emerging technologies. The two ministers also shared views on regional developments, including the Israel-Iran conflict. “Discussed our bilateral partnership, including trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility,” Jaishankar said.
As India prepares to host the next Quad Leaders’ Summit, Jaishankar’s visit served to reinforce India’s role as a key player in shaping global governance, advancing sustainable development, and promoting a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
