Rubio’s India Visit Strengthens Strategic Ties, Builds Momentum for Cooperation, US Ambassador Says
NEW DELHI — U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Thursday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s latest visit to India strengthened the bilateral partnership and created fresh momentum for cooperation across trade, energy, defense and other strategic sectors.
Rubio concluded his visit Thursday after holding a series of high-level meetings with Indian officials focused on expanding economic engagement, strengthening energy security and addressing regional developments.
“It was an absolute honour to host my friend Marco Rubio in India for the second time this year! It says a lot about the importance of the US-India partnership. His visit advanced our bilateral partnership and renewed momentum for continued cooperation in so many areas,” Gor wrote on X.
Rubio also described the trip as productive, highlighting progress on shared economic and strategic objectives.
“Just departed India having advanced our economic and strategic priorities in the region. Continuing to build our economic partnership and energy security cooperation makes both our nations stronger,” Rubio wrote on X.
During his visit, Rubio met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday for discussions covering trade, energy, technology, defense and people-to-people relations.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional security issues and developments affecting their countries’ strategic interests.
“Pleased to meet US Marco Rubio in Mumbai today. We shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties. Also exchanged views on regional developments,” Jaishankar wrote on X following the meeting.
Rubio separately emphasized the importance of deepening energy security and defense cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
“In Mumbai, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and I discussed energy security and defence cooperation while reaffirming the importance of advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership,” Rubio said.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Ambassador Gor and other senior officials attended the bilateral discussions.
The visit also included a trilateral meeting involving Rubio, Jaishankar and United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The three officials discussed regional energy security, economic connectivity and developments affecting their shared interests.
“Held a trilateral meeting with DPM and FM UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A useful exchange of perspectives on energy, connectivity and contemporary developments,” Jaishankar wrote on X.
Rubio described the trilateral talks as another opportunity to strengthen economic and security cooperation among the three countries.
“It was great to meet with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss regional energy security and advance our shared economic priorities,” he said.
The meetings highlighted the growing importance of the U.S.-India strategic relationship, particularly as both countries seek to expand cooperation in critical technologies, energy security, defense and international trade.
Rubio’s second visit to India this year also underscored Washington’s continued diplomatic engagement with New Delhi as the two governments work to advance their economic and security priorities. (Source: IANS)
