New Delhi: The United States secretary of state, Marco Rubio, arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for talks with the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, with a proposed trade agreement, energy cooperation and defence ties high on the agenda. His visit comes as India and the United States seek to conclude trade negotiations amid recent tensions over tariffs and Russian oil imports.
Rubio was received at Mumbai airport by Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar. He arrived with his wife, Jeanette Rubio, and the United States ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. After his arrival, Rubio and Gor visited the Gateway of India with the Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis.
Gor said in a post on X that more than 500 American companies operate in Maharashtra, highlighting strong investment ties. He thanked Fadnavis for hosting Rubio and expressed interest in expanding trade, attracting investment and creating new opportunities.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, met US congressional staffers in Mumbai. Misri highlighted the importance of the India-US partnership, the US Congress’s role in advancing bilateral ties, strong people-to-people connections and growing cooperation in technology and defence between the two countries.
Rubio later held bilateral talks with Jaishankar and Misri. The discussions covered key areas of India-US cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, defence and critical technologies. The two sides also reviewed their broader strategic partnership and regional and international developments.
Jaishankar also held a trilateral meeting with Rubio and the UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The three leaders exchanged views on energy, connectivity and contemporary developments.
Before joining the meeting, Jaishankar and Rubio laid a wreath at the 26/11 memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai, reaffirming the importance of cooperation against terrorism in all its forms. Jaishankar said the two countries must continue their strong partnership in combating terrorism.
During his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar discussed further advancement of bilateral ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people connections. The discussions also covered regional developments, including the situation in the Middle East.
Rubio also attended the US Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai alongside Jaishankar, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Jaishankar said Mumbai’s significance to India-US ties extends beyond its role as the country’s financial capital, highlighting its links to trade, technology, research, culture, media and sports. He also remembered the six American citizens killed in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and reiterated the commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.
Trade deal and Russian oil in focus
The proposed India-US trade agreement is a major priority during Rubio’s visit. Speaking in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Monday, he said the two countries were close to finalizing the deal, with only a few issues remaining. The negotiations have faced hurdles over tariffs and market access.
The issue of Russian oil imports is also expected to figure in discussions. Washington has previously threatened additional tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, including India. However, the United States president, Donald Trump, recently waived potential tariffs linked to such purchases, removing a major obstacle to the trade negotiations.
After arrival in Mumbai, Rubio said India had made substantial progress in diversifying its energy sources and described the move as a smart decision. He said the United States could supply some of India’s energy needs, adding that Washington had discussed Venezuela and other countries as potential sources. Rubio said diversifying India’s energy portfolio was in the interests of both countries.
India, which relies heavily on imported crude oil, has continued to balance its energy needs with pressure from Washington over Russian purchases.
After his Mumbai engagements, Rubio is scheduled to travel to Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday to visit Reliance Industries’ oil refining complex and meet business leaders. The visit is expected to highlight energy cooperation, commercial ties and investment opportunities between the two countries.