New Delhi: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to begin a three-day visit to India on October 20, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence and critical technologies. The visit will also include a tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Rubio is scheduled to arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 2.15 pm on Tuesday. He will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss ways to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
During his Mumbai engagements, Rubio will lay a wreath at the Taj memorial to honour those killed in the November 2008 terror attacks, which claimed more than 160 lives, including six American nationals. He is also scheduled to attend a reception marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The discussions are expected to cover cooperation across key sectors, along with the proposed bilateral trade agreement and developments in West Asia. Rubio is expected to travel to Jamnagar in Gujarat on Wednesday as part of his visit. A large business delegation is also expected to accompany him.
Ahead of the trip, Rubio said the United States was close to finalising a trade agreement with India. He indicated that progress on the negotiations could be among the factors considered when decisions are made on national security-related tariff waivers, including those connected with Russian oil purchases.
India and the US have been negotiating the proposed trade pact since early 2025, seeking to address tariff disputes, reduce non-tariff barriers and improve market access. India is pushing for more favourable tariff terms for its exports, while Jaishankar has recently indicated that the talks are approaching a possible conclusion.
The visit comes amid strained relations following US tariff measures against Indian goods, disagreements over claims concerning the May 2025 India-Pakistan military clashes, and concerns over immigration policies and higher H-1B visa fees. Restrictions affecting green-card processing for major technology companies have added to the tensions.
Rubio’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to maintain high-level engagement and advance areas of common interest.
