NEW DELHI: Following a tumultuous year, the United States and India sought to stabilize their bilateral relationship with a visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for a future visit to the U.S.
During discussions centered on the situation in West Asia, Rubio underscored the U.S. stance against allowing Iran to dominate the global energy market, while promoting U.S. energy products as a means to diversify India’s energy supply. Speaking at a U.S. embassy event later, Rubio described the U.S.-India partnership as a cornerstone of America’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who accompanied Rubio, labeled the dialogue with Modi as “productive,” focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and critical technologies—important factors that fortify both nations and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
India expressed openness to the idea of Modi visiting the U.S., but sources indicated the government would await further scheduling details from Washington. Modi is expected to attend the G20 summit in Florida, which the U.S. will host in December. The implications of this invitation for an anticipated Quad summit, where Trump’s presence in India is highly anticipated, remain unclear. Notably, the Indian government and Modi did not publicly comment on the invitation.
“India is a vital partner to the United States,” Amb. Gor stated in a post on X following the meeting. Rubio also discussed energy and supply chain security with Modi. In an Indian readout, it was noted that Modi reiterated India’s ongoing support for peaceful conflict resolution via dialogue and diplomacy, amid U.S. efforts to negotiate peace with Iran and the looming threat of military action should these efforts be unsuccessful.
In a post on X, Modi expressed, “Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good.”
The Indian account noted that Rubio briefed Modi on the “sustained progress in bilateral cooperation” across various sectors, including defense, trade, investment, energy security, and education. Rubio commenced his visit to India in Kolkata before arriving in Delhi for his meeting with Modi.
At the U.S. embassy event, Rubio recalled his initial assignment as Secretary of State involving a meeting of the Quad foreign ministers, asserting the importance of reaffirming that commitment. He emphasized the significance of India’s role in U.S. foreign policy and the Indo-Pacific strategy, anchored in the relationship between Modi and Trump. Rubio highlighted a $20 billion investment commitment from Indian companies to the U.S. and the growing defense partnership underscored by joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.
