External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on October 27, 2025, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur to discuss strengthening India-US ties, including bilateral trade, strategic cooperation, and regional and global issues. This marks their fourth in-person meeting this year amid efforts to reset strained relations after Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, particularly linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. The talks come as both sides near conclusion of the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, with five rounds of negotiations completed. Besides trade, discussions also covered broader regional security and global challenges, reflecting India’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific amid US-China rivalry. The meeting underlines India’s intent to maintain a balanced, long-term partnership with the US, while simultaneously promoting ASEAN centrality and regional stability, aligned with its Act East Policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually in the summit on October 26, emphasizing deepening India-ASEAN cooperation. Malaysia chaired the ASEAN Summit 2025, held from October 26-28 in Kuala Lumpur.