MUMBAI — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by his wife on a two-day official visit to India, held high-level discussions in Mumbai with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The leaders engaged in detailed deliberations covering bilateral strategic relations, trade expansion, and the long-pending proposed trade agreement between the two nations.
India–US Trade Agreement Expected Soon: Marco Rubio
Expressing strong optimism regarding the proposed bilateral trade pact, Secretary Rubio noted that both countries are close to finalizing the landmark deal. Emphasizing that only a few minor issues remain to be resolved, he indicated that a concrete framework is imminent, with an official announcement and formal signing anticipated shortly.
Tribute to 26/11 Victims and Strategic Alignment
Following a visit to the Gateway of India, Rubio paid homage to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks at the memorial inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Speaking to reporters, he described India as an indispensable global partner to the United States:
Global Partnership: As the world’s most populous nation and largest democracy, India serves as a critical commercial and defense ally for Washington.
Sustained High-Level Engagement: Rubio highlighted the momentum of bilateral diplomatic exchanges, noting past visits by senior U.S. officials—including the Vice President, Commerce Secretary, and the FBI Director—as evidence of deepening strategic ties.
Jamnagar Refinery Visit on Agenda
Following the conclusion of his official engagements in Mumbai, Rubio will travel to Gujarat to tour Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery complex—the world’s largest oil refining facility—to explore avenues for bilateral energy cooperation.
