Rubio to visit India from May 23-26 for key diplomatic talks
Washington, May 20
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to India from May 23-26, visiting Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, as Washington and New Delhi prepare for talks expected to focus on the Quad partnership, energy security, trade and defence cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.
The State Department announced Rubio's travel plans on Tuesday, saying he would first travel to Helsingborg, Sweden, on May 22 to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting before heading to India.
"The Secretary will discuss energy security, trade, and defense cooperation during meetings with senior Indian officials," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
Apart from bilateral meetings with Indian leaders in New Delhi, Rubio is also expected to attend the Quad foreign ministers' meeting involving India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
In an interview, Mukesh Aghi said Rubio's visit comes at an important time for the region and for the broader US-India strategic partnership.
"It is time we resurrect the Quad, and that's very important, especially in the current scenario of the Middle East challenges," Aghi told IANS
He said discussions between Washington and New Delhi are expected to include maritime security concerns linked to the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional stability.
"It is important to have discussions between India and the US regarding the Strait of Hormuz," Aghi said. "You have to understand, India has one of the largest navy in the region itself."
Aghi also said India would seek clarity on recent diplomatic engagements involving China and their implications for the region.
"It is important for Secretary Rubio to brief government of India on the China visit because there are implication for India," he said. "India would like to understand how this impacts."
According to Aghi, the visit comes at an "appropriate time" and is expected to address "multiple front" issues affecting both countries.
Before arriving in India, Rubio will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Sweden, where he is expected to discuss "the need for increased defense investment and greater burden sharing in the Alliance". The State Department said he would also meet counterparts from the Arctic Seven nations to discuss shared economic and security interests in the Arctic and the "strengthened posture in the High North".
— IANS
Reader Comments
Visiting Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur - nice choice! These cities represent India's diversity. The energy security talks are crucial with oil prices so volatile. But I hope they also discuss H-1B visas and trade reciprocity. We can't keep giving defence contracts without fair treatment for Indian professionals.
Another US official coming, another photo op. 🤔 What concrete outcomes can we expect? The Quad needs real substance, not just statements. Also, why is Rubio going to NATO meeting first? India should firmly state its independent foreign policy - non-alignment 2.0!
As an American who has worked with Indian counterparts, this visit is important. The Strait of Hormuz discussions are critical for global energy security. India's Navy is indeed a stabilizing force in the Indian Ocean. Hope both sides find common ground on trade barriers.
The article mentions Rubio briefing India on the China visit - that's crucial. We need to know what's happening behind closed doors between Washington and Beijing. But let's not be naive: the US will always prioritise its interests. India must ensure we don't become a pawn in great power games. Make in India and defence self-reliance should be our priority.
Visiting multiple cities shows the US wants to see more than just Delhi. The Quad is important but don't forget our ties with Russia and Iran when discussing energy security. India's strategic autonomy should not be compromised. Curious how this visit will address climate change and clean energy too.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.