Mumbai: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for his second visit to India, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, were also present. Ahead of Rubio’s visit, Jaishankar met a US Congressional delegation in Mumbai to discuss trade, energy, security and technology, along with strengthening bilateral ties.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet US Congressional Delegation comprising RepJasonSmith, DavidSchweikert, RepStefanik, RepOgles and RepFriedmanCA in Mumbai today. Appreciate their positive sentiments and interest in taking forward India-US ties.”
“Specifically discussed trade, energy, security and technology aspects of our relationship. Also spoke about ease of doing business in India, and deepening of our Indo-Pacific cooperation,” he added.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Rubio will pay tribute to victims of terrorism during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Taj Memorial inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel at 3:40 pm. This will be followed by bilateral talks with Jaishankar at the same venue.
Rubio is also scheduled to attend the “Freedom 250 Reception” at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, he will travel to Jamnagar in Gujarat, an important energy hub.
The visit comes amid indications that the long-awaited India-US trade agreement could be nearing finalisation. Speaking to reporters in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Monday, Rubio said Washington was working to reach an agreement.
“We’re trying to finalise a trade deal with India right now. We’re very close to doing that,” Rubio said.
He also highlighted the need to consider India’s energy requirements while assessing potential sanctions and tariffs related to Russian oil imports, describing India as an important ally and partner of the United States.
Rubio said Washington needed time to assess the economic implications of the proposed measures, including their potential impact on global energy supplies and prices.
