Rubio Meets Jaishankar in Mumbai, Pushes U.S.-India Trade

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Mumbai for a two-day visit, during which he will deliver remarks at the Freedom 250 reception at the U.S. Embassy in India. This marks his second visit to the country in just three months, underscoring the growing strategic importance of U.S.-India relations.

Deepening Bilateral Engagement

Rubio held discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on regional and global issues, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The talks emphasized the importance of energy trade, defense cooperation, and technological collaboration between the two nations.

“The Secretary reiterated that increased energy trade with the United States can play a transformative role in diversifying India’s supply chains while meeting its sizable consumer demand,” the State Department noted. “He also commended recent progress in bilateral defense and civil nuclear cooperation, and advocated for the increased purchase of U.S. technologies and systems, which can enhance the security and prosperity of both our countries.”

Progress on Trade Talks

India and the United States are working to revive stalled trade negotiations, which had lost momentum as New Delhi continued purchasing Russian oil despite objections from former President Donald Trump. Rubio expressed optimism about the progress, stating, “We’re very, very close. I would say we’re about as close as you can be without having executed the agreement. I think there’s a small number of items left to wrap up, so I think that will happen shortly.”

Rubio also highlighted the significance of India’s role in shaping the 21st century, emphasizing the need for a free and secure Indo-Pacific region. “When two powers like that can be aligned on these issues that are going to define the 21st century, then we have an opportunity together to write those pages in the history of the 21st century,” he said.

Strategic Alignment on Geopolitical Issues

Rubio expanded on the technological and industrial advances of the modern age, linking them to the importance of open sea lanes and secure international shipping. “On that issue, we are 100% and perfectly aligned,” he added.

“We can take the things that made America exceptional as a nation and share it in partnership with friends like you,” he concluded, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the U.S. and India.

Source: OANN

Written by

claire.thomson