External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio today in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting comes at a crucial time when both countries are working to ease tensions that have emerged over trade tariffs and changes to visa policies. Recent U.S. decisions, particularly the move to increase fees for new H-1B work visas to $100,000, have raised concerns in India, especially among technology professionals and companies that depend heavily on these visas

. Current visa holders will not be affected by the new rule, but the hike has been criticized as a major financial burden for future applicants. Trade issues will also be a key point of discussion. India has sent a high-level delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to negotiate a fair trade deal that benefits both sides. The U.S. has imposed additional duties on certain Indian goods, creating friction between the two nations. These talks are seen as an opportunity to address these disputes and strengthen economic cooperation.

The meeting is viewed as an important step to reset the tone of India-U.S. relations. Both countries have made progress in recent years, but challenges remain in balancing domestic interests with international partnerships. A successful dialogue could pave the way for more stable trade agreements and clearer visa rules, benefiting businesses and workers in both nations. This engagement highlights the growing importance of the India-U.S. relationship in the global economy and the shared goal of building a stronger strategic partnership.