Rubio's Four-Day Visit to India Yields Results: Strategic Ally Status, Energy Supply, and Major Trade Deals

During his four-day visit to India, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio held talks with Indian Foreign Minister Sujan on Sunday in New Delhi, discussing issues including the Middle East situation, trade, visas, maritime security, and energy supply.

Rubio Emphasizes: U.S.-India Are Strategic Allies

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said on Sunday: "As you have emphasized, the United States and India are not merely allies but strategic partners—and this is crucial. Clearly, we will cooperate with countries around the world and regional nations on various emerging issues; our strategic partnership between the two countries is what truly distinguishes our relationship, as it extends beyond any single region, offering collaboration opportunities across different global regions, including potential cooperation in the Western Hemisphere."

Indian Foreign Minister Sujan stated, "We have a comprehensive global strategic partnership. In simple terms, this means we have deep and extensive cooperation. This relationship influences other parts of the world because we share convergent interests on many issues and across numerous regions globally."

Regarding the outcomes of their talks, Sujan said he and Rubio discussed finalizing the text of the interim U.S.-India trade agreement as soon as possible, as well as challenges faced by Indian workers related to visas.

Rubio said, "We’ve made significant progress, and I believe we will ultimately reach a durable U.S.-India trade agreement that benefits both sides."

It is widely known that India is a traditionally non-aligned country. Previous U.S. administrations, including during President Trump’s first term, have sought to strengthen ties with India to counterbalance Beijing’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. However, last year the U.S. imposed high tariffs on Indian goods, with some imports facing up to 50% tariffs—partly due to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

Although a framework for an interim trade agreement was reached in February 2026, reducing tariffs to 18%, negotiations stalled after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Trump’s tariffs. Under the February interim agreement, India pledged to purchase more American goods—including energy, aircraft, technology products, and agricultural commodities—worth a total of $500 billion.

Foreign Minister Sujan Highlights Energy Risks

Rubio denied that his visit to India aimed to repair U.S.-India relations. Foreign Minister Sujan, however, publicly praised the U.S. as a reliable partner to address India’s energy risks.

After Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz—the vital artery for global energy flows—India, which previously relied on this strait for about 90% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports, now faces heightened energy insecurity. Sujan noted that U.S. energy supplies to India have "significantly increased," though he did not provide specific figures.

Bloomberg cited Kpler’s forecast data indicating that India’s LPG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the U.S. in May are expected to reach record levels, underscoring the importance of the U.S. to India’s energy security.

On Saturday, Rubio met with Indian Prime Minister Modi to discuss trade and energy issues, and extended an invitation on behalf of President Trump for Modi to visit the White House. Rubio told Modi that U.S. energy products "have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply."

Rubio reiterated on Sunday that the U.S. and India share "strategic alignment" on energy issues. Both nations aim to build a world capable not only of producing but also of delivering modern economies’ required energy.

Foreign Minister Sujan also mentioned discussions with Rubio regarding U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. In August of last year, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Indian goods due to India’s purchases of Russian crude oil, arguing such purchases fund Russia’s war effort. However, the U.S. recently allowed such imports to help offset supply disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East.

Quad Ministers' Meeting Begins Next Tuesday

The upcoming Quad ministerial meeting scheduled for next Tuesday will be another key focus of Rubio’s trip. Foreign ministers from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India will exchange views on Indo-Pacific security and critical mineral supply chains. The Quad mechanism was established to counterbalance Beijing’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Previously, New Delhi had been urging Trump to visit India and simultaneously host a Quad leaders’ summit. However, analysts say this arrangement remains on hold amid ongoing trade tensions and other disruptions—including the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866118613294084/

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