US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Arrives in India, Describes Nation as ‘Great Partner’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in India for a high-level diplomatic visit following NATO talks in Sweden, with both nations aiming to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and regional security.

Rubio landed in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, where he was received by US Ambassador Sergio Gore during his first visit to the state. The stop comes at a politically significant time for West Bengal, which recently won assembly elections for the first time.

During his time in Kolkata, Rubio visited Mother Teresa’s House of the Missionaries of Charity and is expected to pay respects at Mother Teresa’s cemetery. He is also scheduled to visit the iconic Victoria Memorial. The city holds special importance as the home of the world’s oldest US consulate, established in 1792, which continues to manage American diplomatic and trade interests across 11 eastern and northeastern states.

Later on the same day, Rubio was set to travel to New Delhi to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the following day, he is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. Reshanker and attend an event at the US Embassy to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.

On Monday, Rubio will visit Agra and Jaipur before returning to the capital for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Tuesday. The meeting, hosted by India, will include participation from Australian Foreign Minister Py Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Doshi Mitsu Motei, alongside India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Reshanker.

Ahead of his visit, Marco Rubio described India as “a great partner” and “a great ally,” emphasizing the strength of bilateral relations. He stated that the US is ready to sell India as much energy as it is willing to buy, including oil, gas, and other resources, with the only limit being India’s purchase willingness. India is already one of the top importers of American liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the US seeks to expand this cooperation.

The visit occurs amid efforts to manage recent strains in US-India ties. Last year, the Trump administration imposed a 50% import tariff on India, linked to its purchase of Russian oil under US sanctions. A tentative trade deal announced in February aimed to reduce the tariff rate to 18%, but the US Supreme Court later scrapped the tariffs. Tensions were also attributed to the Trump administration’s perceived closeness to Pakistan. Rubio’s trip is seen as an opportunity to address these differences and reinforce the partnership.

From the broader US perspective, the visit aims to strengthen strategic ties with India as a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in balancing regional power dynamics, securing supply chains, energy routes, and emerging technologies amid concerns over China’s influence. Officials also seek to reassure New Delhi regarding recent tensions over tariffs, Russia policy, and questions about long-term commitment to the Quad alliance.