Rubio meets PM Modi, extends Trump's invite to visit White House
New Delhi, May 23
Visiting US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Saturday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after his arrival in New Delhi and extended an invite on behalf of US President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the White House in the near future.
After the meeting, PM Modi said that both countries will continue to work closely for the global good.
"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," PM Modi wrote on X.
Taking to X, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor stated that, during the meeting, both sides had a "productive discussion" on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across various sectors.
He also mentioned that India remains a "vital partner" to the United States.
"Great to join Secretary Rubio for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies - areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States!" Gor posted on X.
"News! Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump, for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future!", he added in another post.
Earlier in the day, Rubio arrived in Kolkata, kicking off his four-day visit to India. He was welcomed by Ambassador Gor at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Accompanied by his wife, Jeanette Rubio, the US Secretary of State visited Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
"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 stated on X after Rubio's arrival in Kolkata.
Rubio was the first US Secretary of State to visit Kolkata since Hillary Clinton travelled to the city in May 2012. His visit comes only weeks after West Bengal witnessed a major political change with a BJP-led government assuming power in the state
Rubio's India itinerary, scheduled from May 23 to 26 and also covering Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, is being viewed as diplomatically significant because of planned energy discussions with India and meetings involving ministers from the Quad nations.
India is set to host the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on May 26. At the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will also be arriving in India to attend the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting along with Rubio.
Ahead of his visit to India, Rubio said that 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.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Rubio's visit will add further strength to India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some diplomatic maturity! Modi's global standing is impressive. The Quad meeting is crucial given China's aggression in the South China Sea. But let's see if Trump's America actually delivers on trade deals this time or just makes promises. 🤞
Rubio visiting Mother House in Kolkata — that's a nice gesture. Shows respect for India's soft power and humanitarian legacy. But I'm skeptical about Trump's invite. Remember how he pulled out of the Paris Accord and hurt global climate efforts? Hope PM Modi pushes for concrete commitments on technology transfer and defense co-production.
As an American following this closely, I'm glad Rubio is engaging India seriously. The Quad is vital for Indo-Pacific stability. But I worry Trump's unpredictable style could strain relations again — like the H-1B visa restrictions that hurt Indian professionals. Hope Modi sets clear expectations during the White House visit.
Honestly, these high-level meets don't always trickle down to common people. My cousin in Silicon Valley still faces visa hurdles. But kudos to MEA for maintaining strategic autonomy — India shouldn't be anyone's pawn. Let's see how the energy discussions play out, given the Strait of Hormuz tensions. Oil prices are killing us already! 😤
Rubio visiting Kolkata is historically significant — first US Secretary of State since Hillary Clinton in 2012. And with Bengal now under BJP rule, the optics are interesting. But the real test will be in the Quad meeting: can India balance its energy needs with climate commitments while fending off Chinese pressure? Tough ask, but optimistic.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.