Quad, energy security and trade: Why is Marco Rubio's 4-day visit significant for India | Explained
Ways to bolster India-US ties in energy, trade, investment, critical technology and people-to-people ties exchanges are likely to dominate the talks between Jaishankar and Rubio. The two sides are also expected to deliberate on the West Asia crisis and its economic impact.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Saturday for a four-day visit -- his first to the country since taking office -- aiming to repair bilateral ties that have been under strain since mid-last year. The top US diplomat is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in addition to attending a meeting of the Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi.
While the Jaishankar-Rubio talks are set for Sunday, the Quad meeting will take place on Tuesday. Besides his engagements in New Delhi, Rubio is also scheduled to visit Kolkata, Agra and Jaipur, people familiar with the matter said. There is a possibility of the US Secretary of State calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well, it is learnt.
"There's a lot to work on with India, they're a great ally and partner. We do a lot of good work with them so this is an important trip," Rubio said on Friday about his trip to India.
Rubio’s visit to bolster India-US ties in energy, trade, investment
Ways to bolster India-US ties in energy, trade, investment, critical technology and people-to-people ties exchanges are likely to dominate the talks between Jaishankar and Rubio, the people cited above said. The two sides are also expected to deliberate on the West Asia crisis and its economic impact including on energy supplies.
It should be noted that the relations between the two countries witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India and President Donald Trump made controversial assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes last May.
Rubio to attend Quad Foreign Ministers Meet on May 26
Responding to a question about India being affected by high energy prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio described India as a "great partner" and said he was looking forward to meeting with ministers from the Quad nations.
The Quad meeting is planned for May 26, and it is scheduled to be attended by Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar presiding over it.
Trade and tariff negotiations on cards
As the temporary interim trade measures and tariffs will expire, the talks are targeting solutions to reduce trade barriers, diversify critical mineral supply chains, and advance the US-India goal of doubling bilateral trade.
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Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, holds wide-ranging talks