Rubio Highlights US Energy Role in Diversifying India’s Supply During Meeting with PM Modi
New Delhi/Washington— US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, focusing on energy security, trade, defence cooperation, and emerging technologies, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India–US strategic partnership.
According to the United States Department of State, Rubio stressed that the United States would not allow Iran to “hold the global energy market hostage” and said that US energy exports could play a key role in diversifying India’s energy supply amid global uncertainties.
“The Secretary emphasised that the United States will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage and affirmed that US energy products have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply,” said US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott in an official statement.
The two leaders also reviewed progress in bilateral trade and investment cooperation, including initiatives under the “Mission 500” framework aimed at doubling India–US trade by 2030.
Rubio described India as a critical strategic partner for the United States, highlighting shared democratic values, expanding commercial opportunities, and strong ties between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi.
Posting on X after the meeting, Rubio said he had discussed developments in the Middle East, energy cooperation, resilient supply chains, and collaboration on critical and emerging technologies with the Indian Prime Minister.
“In New Delhi, I met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to underscore the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed the situation in the Middle East and US-India partnership in energy, securing critical supply chains, and collaboration on emerging technologies,” Rubio wrote.
The visiting Secretary of State also extended an invitation from President Trump for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future.
The US State Department said both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and defence while accelerating partnerships in advanced technologies.
Rubio also appreciated India’s role in hosting the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi and reiterated Washington’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific alongside Australia, India, and Japan.
Prime Minister Modi later described the discussions as productive and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States.
“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,” Modi posted on X.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said Rubio briefed the Prime Minister on progress in bilateral cooperation spanning defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education, and people-to-people ties.
The PMO added that Rubio shared the US perspective on several regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia, while Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peace efforts and diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts.
Modi also asked Rubio to convey his greetings to President Trump and expressed his desire for continued engagement between the two leaders.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who accompanied Rubio during the meeting, said the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in security, trade, and critical technologies.
“India is a vital partner to the United States,” Gor posted on X, adding separately that Rubio had formally invited Modi to visit the White House on behalf of President Trump.
Earlier in the day, Rubio arrived in Kolkata to begin his four-day India visit. Accompanied by his wife, Jeanette Rubio, he visited the Mother House, the global headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity.
Rubio’s visit, which includes stops in Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi from May 23 to 26, is being viewed as strategically significant amid ongoing global energy disruptions and heightened focus on Indo-Pacific cooperation.
India will host the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 26. At the invitation of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi are also expected to participate alongside Rubio.
Ahead of the visit, Rubio described India as a “great ally” and “great partner,” while signalling Washington’s intention to expand energy cooperation and strengthen coordination through the Quad amid global supply-chain concerns linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Rubio’s visit would further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. (Source: IANS)
