EAM Jaishankar during a press briefing in Washington. / Sukhpal Singh Dhanoa

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met heads of several key departments in Washington, D.C. on July 2 during his official visit to the United States. Jaishankar took to his X to mention his meeting with Indian-origin FBI Director Kash Patel.

The two officials discussed collaboration on organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

“Great to meet FBI Director Kash Patel today,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. “Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.”

 

Great to meet @FBIDirectorKash today.

Appreciate our strong cooperation in countering organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.

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— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 2, 2025

Patel, a former National Security Council official and longtime Republican aide, was appointed FBI Director earlier this year. His meeting with Jaishankar is seen as part of India’s broader efforts to deepen strategic and security cooperation with the United States.

Jaishankar, who is in Washington at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also met U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The two discussed global issues and areas of bilateral cooperation.

“Delighted to meet US DNI @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC this afternoon,” Jaishankar said. “A good exchange on the global situation and our bilateral cooperation.”

 

Delighted to meet US DNI @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC this afternoon.

A good exchange on the global situation and our bilateral cooperation.@DNIGabbard

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— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 2, 2025

In a separate meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Jaishankar discussed a wide range of topics. “Discussed our bilateral partnership including trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility,” he said. “Shared perspectives on regional and global developments.”

He also met Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington. “Had a productive conversation on advancing the US India defence partnership, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities,” Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar’s agenda included a meeting with U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright. They discussed energy transformation efforts in India and opportunities for deeper energy collaboration between the two countries.

“A useful conversation with U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington DC this evening,” Jaishankar posted. “Spoke about the energy transformation underway in India. And opportunities for deeper India - US energy partnership.”

 

A useful conversation with US @ENERGY @SecretaryWright in Washington DC this evening.

Spoke about the energy transformation underway in India. And opportunities for deeper India - US energy partnership.

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— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 1, 2025

The visit comes as India continues to strengthen ties with the United States through multilateral platforms like the Quad. Following the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, Jaishankar posted, “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.”

On visa processing

During a press briefing in Washington on the same day, Jaishankar responded to a question from New India Abroad journalist Sukhpal Singh Dhanoa about whether India would consider discussing seasonal labor agreements with the U.S., particularly in sectors such as agriculture, trucking, and hospitality, where many Indian and Punjabi workers are already employed.

“In my visit, that specific issue didn't come up,” Jaishankar said. He clarified that his focus was instead on improving the efficiency of U.S. visa processing.

“We focused on more smooth and efficient visas which is public concern in India and as a minister I reflect the concern of my country I come to the United States,” he said.

Jaishankar added that visa delays remain a significant issue and said that while the Indian government continues to focus on broader strategic interests, voices from the diaspora continue to raise the need for greater seasonal labor access.