The United States and India have engaged in high-level discussions in Washington, focusing on critical minerals cooperation and strategic ties, as reported by Dawn on February 4, 2026. This meeting coincides with a recently finalized bilateral trade deal, which has sparked regional interest. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized deepening economic and strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite these developments, diplomatic observers suggest that the agreement will not affect US-Pakistan relations, which have been bolstered by Pakistan's growing strategic importance in the Middle East and South Asia. Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively participating in the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial at the US Department of State, seeking to expand foreign investment and forge strategic partnerships in the minerals and energy sectors, as noted by Dawn on February 3, 2026. The conference aims to strengthen and diversify global supply chains for critical minerals, essential for advanced technologies and clean energy transitions. US Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to deliver opening remarks, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in securing these resources.