NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday described India as a relationship of "critical importance" to Washington after meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The meeting came amid strains in bilateral ties following new tariffs on Indian goods and a steep hike in H-1B visa fees by the Trump administration. According to a readout from the US State Department, Rubio expressed appreciation for New Delhi’s engagement across sectors including trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. He added that Washington and New Delhi would continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad. Readout: "Secretary of State Marco Ru

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