New Delhi, May 24 -- New Delhi and Washington are on the verge of finalizing a highly anticipated trade pact designed to be "beneficial" and "sustainable" for both sides, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Sunday. He emphasized that the broader strategic partnership is on a definitive upward trajectory.

Currently undertaking a four-day official visit to India, Rubio shared these insights following comprehensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Their dialogue centered on accelerating bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including commerce, critical minerals, energy, and defense.

This inaugural trip by the top US diplomat is widely interpreted as an effort to mend ties, which faced notable friction ov...