India, Feb. 4 -- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, with discussions focusing on formalising bilateral cooperation in critical minerals exploration, mining and processing.

The meeting took place amid renewed momentum in India-US ties following the announcement of a new trade agreement between the two countries after months of negotiations and tension.

"Facets of the India-US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology," he said in a post on X. He added that both sides agreed on holding early meetings of various mechanisms to advance shared interests.

According to a statement issued by the US Departm...