India is a 'great partner','great ally', trip to focus on energy, quad: Rubio
Washington, May 21
, Ahead of his visit to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants to expand energy ties with New Delhi and deepen coordination through the Quad, while describing India as a "great ally" and "great partner" amid global supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Leaving for India, with a stopover in Europe, Rubio told reporters in Miami that the US was ready to increase energy exports to India as concerns grow over disruptions to global oil and gas supplies following tensions in West Asia.
"We wanna sell them as much energy as they'll buy," Rubio said when asked about India being "deeply affected" by the energy supply situation and the shutting of the Strait of Hormuz. "Obviously, you've seen, I think we're at historic levels of US production and US export. We wanna be able to do more."
Rubio said discussions with India on energy cooperation were already underway and would continue during his upcoming visit.
"We were already in talks with them to do more. We want next week as well. So there's opportunities," he said.
The Secretary of State described India as an increasingly important strategic partner for the United States.
"There's a lot to work on with India. They're a great ally, a great partner. We do a lot of good work with them," Rubio said. "It is an important trip. I'm glad we're able to do it because I think there'll be a lot for us to talk about."
Rubio also underscored the significance of the Quad grouping, which includes India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
"We'll also meet with the Quad there, which is important," he said.
Rubio recalled that his first official meeting after taking office as Secretary of State had been with Quad partners.
"I believe like I went, I got sworn in, I did the thing in the lobby, and then I went right upstairs and that was my first meeting," he said. "And I'm glad we were able to do it now in India. And we're gonna do one later in the year as well."
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate Rubio calling India a 'great ally' but I hope this energy partnership doesn't come with strings attached. We need to ensure our strategic autonomy isn't compromised. The Quad is good for balancing China, but let's not forget India has always maintained independent foreign policy. Let's see what concrete outcomes come from this visit.
This is smart diplomacy. India is a key player in the Indo-Pacific and energy security is vital for both our nations. The US has record production levels, India needs reliable supply - it's basic economics. Quad meetings are always productive too. Looking forward to more concrete announcements after the visit.
Yaar, it's good that the US wants to sell us energy, but we should also focus on our own renewable energy targets. Why become dependent on another country when we have sun and wind abundantly? The government should use this opportunity to negotiate technology transfers for solar and green hydrogen too. Don't just become a customer - become a partner in innovation!
Great to see the Quad continuing to strengthen. The meeting in India shows how important New Delhi is to this alliance. Energy cooperation is just the beginning - we need deeper collaboration on technology, maritime security, and climate action. This visit could set the tone for US-India relations for years to come. Let's hope both sides seize the moment.
While I welcome US-India partnership, I can't help but notice the timing - right when there's crisis in West Asia. India must use this leverage to get good terms. Also, Quad is important but let's not ignore
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