US State Secy Rubio lands in Kolkata on first India visit; trade, defence, energy and QUAD talks on agenda

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Kolkata on Saturday for his inaugural official visit to India, signaling a significant push to deepen bilateral cooperation between Washington and New Delhi. The visit, which spans from May 23 to 26, includes stops in Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, with a packed agenda focused on enhancing collaboration in critical areas such as trade, technology, defense, energy security, and the Indo-Pacific strategy.

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Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defence, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!

The trip gains particular importance amid growing strategic alignment between the two nations and precedes the upcoming QUAD foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi on May 26. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who welcomed Rubio at the airport, announced on X that the Secretary would proceed to New Delhi to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian officials. "Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defence, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!" Gor posted.

Rubio emphasized Washington's strong desire to significantly expand energy partnerships with India, stating the U.S. is prepared to supply "as much energy" as New Delhi is willing to purchase. This initiative stems from record-high American oil and gas production. "Washington aims to embed itself more deeply into India's diversified energy matrix," Rubio noted, hinting at potential collaborations that could include Venezuelan crude. These remarks address India's navigation of volatile global fuel prices and maritime security concerns, particularly those stemming from recent instabilities around the Strait of Hormuz.

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as much energy

Describing the relationship between the two democracies as robust, especially under current global challenges, Rubio called India a "great partner." The engagements are expected to solidify economic ties and strengthen strategic dialogues, reinforcing the shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity within the QUAD framework.

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great partner