U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for a three-day visit to India following an official visit to Uzbekistan. The bilateral talks are expected to focus on a long-pending trade agreement, energy, security and defense cooperation, among other issues.
Rubio met India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai, where the two discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries. The visit comes as Washington and New Delhi seek to make progress on trade negotiations despite differences over tariffs, energy imports and other policies. The discussions will also focus on strengthening the India-U.S. Global Strategic Partnership.
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Following the talks, Rubio wrote on X, “In Mumbai, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and I discussed energy security and defense cooperation while reaffirming the importance of advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership.”
Meanwhile, Jaishankar wrote on X, “We shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defense and people to people ties. Also exchanged views on regional developments.”
Rubio also paid tribute to the victims of the Nov. 26, 2008, Mumbai terrorist attacks by laying a wreath at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Six American citizens were among those killed in the attacks. Rubio said the two countries would continue to remember the victims, recognize the bravery of those who responded to the attacks and strengthen their partnership to combat terrorism.
In Mumbai, Rubio visited the Gateway of India alongside U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He is also scheduled to attend the “Freedom 250 event” at the Jio World Convention Center, a reception marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Trade negotiations between the two countries have faced challenges over U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, market access and India’s imports of Russian oil. Trump’s decision to tighten H-1B visa restrictions has also displeased India, as Indian nationals account for a significant share of professional workers under the visa program.
Ahead of the talks, the Trump administration signed an executive order Friday suspending a sanctions measure under the Graham Act. The measure could have imposed tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting India, one of the largest buyers of Russian oil.
During the announcement of the waiver, Rubio said the administration had to consider the availability of alternative energy supplies and the potential effects of sanctions on global energy prices.
As part of his three-day visit, Rubio will travel Wednesday to Jamnagar, Gujarat, home to one of the world’s largest oil-refining complexes, operated by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries. Both nations are expected to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector, including investment and refining.
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Reliance is the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil after the U.S. The company is also investing in a new refinery in Texas.
Speaking to reporters in Samarkand, Rubio said the U.S. is “very close” to finalizing a trade agreement with India.
“Discussions are expected to cover key areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy, trade and investment, defense, critical and emerging technologies, and other areas of mutual interest,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last week.