US Secretary of State Rubio visits India to reset strained bilateral ties
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited New Delhi for a four-day trip to stabilize US-India relations strained by Trump’s tariff policies and visa restrictions. He met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and PM Modi, discussing defense cooperation, trade, and the Quad ministerial. Rubio dismissed racist comments against Indians as “stupid people,” while Jaishankar raised concerns over H-1B visa curbs harming tech cooperation. Both sides affirmed a “strategic alliance” and convergence on Indo-Pacific and West Asia issues.
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Rubio says India key to U.S. Indo-Pacific policy, invites Modi to Washington
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on a four-day visit to India, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for Modi to visit the White House later in 2026. Rubio emphasized India's importance to U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and the renewal of Quad engagement. Bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Australia and Japan are scheduled. Discussions covered defense, strategic technologies, trade, energy security, and the Iran conflict, with Rubio asserting the U.S. will not let Iran hold global energy markets hostage. The visit aims to repair strained ties over U.S. tariffs, sanctions, visa restrictions, and disagreements over a claimed India-Pakistan ceasefire mediation. Rubio also announced priority visa services for Indian business travelers, despite new H1-B and green card restrictions affecting Indian professionals.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.India-U.S. ties have limitless potential, says Ambassador Sergio Gor
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor stated that the India-U.S. partnership is uniquely positioned to seize emerging opportunities, especially in technology. Speaking at a seminar on bilateral research collaboration in New Delhi on May 29, 2026, Gor announced that the U.S. is recalibrating its export control policy, which could boost high-technology cooperation between the two countries. He described the relationship as a 'defining partnership' of the 21st century and noted that an interim India-U.S. trade agreement is in the finalization process, expected to be sealed in the coming weeks or months. Gor also characterized Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent visit to India as 'substantive,' emphasizing the limitless potential for transforming the bilateral relationship into a more seamless economic partnership.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Marco Rubio’s Visit to India and the Quad Format Meeting
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted a lengthy, multifaceted visit to India in late May 2026, aimed at thawing relations after a period of tension under the Trump administration. The visit included symbolic stops in Kolkata (Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa's tomb), Agra (Taj Mahal), and Jaipur (cultural performances), followed by high-level bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Modi, NSA Doval, and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, and a Quad summit with Australia and Japan. Key outcomes included signing bilateral and Quad-level frameworks to secure supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths to counter China's dominance, agreements on energy cooperation, advancement of a Bilateral Trade Agreement, and India's non-binding commitment to purchase $500 billion in U.S. goods over five years. The Quad also agreed to jointly expand a port in Fiji. The visit is assessed as successful, strengthening India-U.S. ties and India's position in the West, with robust economic cooperation (bilateral trade ~$150 billion in goods, $240 billion including services) and a large Indian diaspora in the U.S. as supporting factors.
Defence24.comMarco Rubio's India Visit and Quad Summit Strengthen US-India Ties
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted a lengthy, multifaceted visit to India in late May 2026, aimed at thawing relations after a period of tension under the Trump administration. The visit included symbolic cultural stops in Kolkata (where he visited Mother Teresa's tomb), Agra (Taj Mahal), and Jaipur, alongside high-level meetings with Prime Minister Modi, NSA Doval, and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. The centerpiece was a Quad summit with Australia and Japan. Key outcomes included signing bilateral and Quad-level frameworks to secure supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths to counter China's dominance, advancing discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement, and India's non-binding commitment to purchase $500 billion in US goods over five years. The Quad nations also agreed to jointly participate in expanding a port in Fiji. The article assesses the visit as successful, strengthening India's position in the West while deepening economic cooperation, with bilateral trade in goods at ~$150 billion and services pushing it to ~$240 billion.
Defence24.comMarco Rubio's India Visit and Quad Summit Strengthen US-India Ties
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted a lengthy, multifaceted visit to India in late May 2026, aimed at thawing relations after a period of tension under the Trump administration. The visit included symbolic cultural stops in Kolkata (where he visited Mother Teresa's tomb), Agra (Taj Mahal), and Jaipur, alongside high-level meetings with Prime Minister Modi, NSA Doval, and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. The centerpiece was a Quad summit with Australia and Japan. Key outcomes included signing bilateral and Quad-level frameworks to secure supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, countering China's dominance; advancing discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement; India's non-binding commitment to purchase $500 billion in US goods over five years; and Quad agreement to jointly expand a port in Fiji. The visit was assessed as successful, strengthening India's position in Washington and the broader West while deepening economic cooperation, with bilateral trade in goods at ~$150 billion and services pushing it to ~$240 billion.
Defence24.comBad Fences: On Marco Rubio’s India Visit
Secretary of State Marco Rubio completed his first four-day visit to India since taking office in January 2025, aimed at repairing deeply ruptured bilateral ties. The relationship has suffered due to U.S. high tariffs, visa and immigration cuts, sanctions on India's energy procurement, and derogatory remarks by President Trump calling India a 'hell-hole'. The U.S. attack on Iran and the Hormuz Strait blockade have also caused economic worries for India. Despite a warm reception from Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, the visit yielded few concrete outcomes beyond a critical minerals cooperation agreement. Rubio refused to acknowledge problems in the relationship, indicating the U.S. has failed to recognize India's concerns. Both sides now look toward a possible Modi-Trump meeting at the G-7 Summit in Evian, France, in mid-June to mend economic, energy, and regional security ties.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Marco Rubio Downplays Anti-India Rhetoric Row, Says Trump Is a 'Big Fan' of PM Modi
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a four-day visit to India aimed at recalibrating bilateral relations, sought to dismiss allegations of rising anti-India rhetoric in the United States. Rubio stated that President Donald Trump is a 'big fan' of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and emphasized that he would not be in India if Trump did not want him there. The remarks came after a video of Rubio's response to a reporter's question about alleged racism towards Indians in the US went viral, with many linking the question to Trump's past comments referring to India and China as a 'hellhole' and accusing them of abusing birthright citizenship. Rubio indicated he believed the reporter was referring to online comments by unidentified individuals. The US State Department initially posted Rubio's response on X but later deleted the question portion. The visit is intended to address headwinds in India-US relations since mid-last year.
Economic TimesUS-India strategic alliance and global influence: Marco Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to New Delhi, described the US-India relationship as a 'strategic alliance' between two globally influential nations. Addressing concerns over trade tariffs, visa restrictions, and US ties with Pakistan, Rubio stated that recent US policy changes were not targeted at India but applied globally. He noted that the two countries are close to finalizing a mutually beneficial trade agreement. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised issues of visa challenges for legitimate Indian travelers while cooperating on illegal mobility. The talks covered defence cooperation, including renewal of a 10-year major defence partnership framework and a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap, as well as economic and geopolitical issues in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
The Indian ExpressIndia voices concern on US visas but sees alignment with Rubio
India expressed rare public concern over US visa restrictions during Secretary of State Marco Rubio's first visit to New Delhi, while affirming broad strategic alignment. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar raised challenges faced by legitimate travelers, particularly regarding H-1B visas used by Indian tech workers, which have faced increased restrictions under President Trump. Rubio defended the reforms as not India-specific but a response to a migratory crisis, and emphasized shared democratic values and strategic partnership. The visit highlighted tensions over trade, China, and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the Iran war, but both sides stressed convergence on major issues. Jaishankar noted differences will emerge, framing India's approach as 'India First' against Trump's 'America First' policy.
https://kuwaittimes.comRubio arrives in India ahead of Quad talks as US tries to reset strained ties
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Saturday for a four-day visit aimed at stabilizing bilateral relations strained by President Trump's tariff policies. His trip includes a multi-city tour with stops in Kolkata, Agra, and Jaipur, as well as a gala reception in Delhi marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. Rubio is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for bilateral discussions on trade, technology, and defense. The centerpiece of the visit is the Quad ministerial meeting on Tuesday, where foreign ministers from India, Australia, Japan, and the US will address China's military activities in the South China Sea. Beijing has criticized the Quad as an attempt to contain its growth. This is Rubio's first official trip to India since becoming Secretary of State.
The Independent WorldIndia Warns US Visa Crackdown Could Harm Tech Cooperation During Rubio Visit
India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has expressed concerns to top US diplomat Marco Rubio that recent US visa restrictions could negatively impact bilateral technology cooperation between the two countries. The warning came during Rubio's visit to India, highlighting a key point of friction in the otherwise growing strategic partnership. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of smooth visa processes for maintaining and expanding collaboration in the tech sector, which is a cornerstone of the US-India relationship. The exchange underscores the delicate balance between US immigration enforcement and the need to facilitate talent mobility for economic and technological ties.
TRT World - Breaking News, Live Coverage, Opinions and VisualsMarco Rubio dismisses racist comments against Indians as 'stupid people' during India visit
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a press conference in New Delhi alongside External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, described the US-India relationship as a 'strategic alliance' and dismissed racist comments against Indians as coming from 'stupid people' who make 'dumb comments.' Rubio emphasized that the US is a welcoming country and that recent immigration system changes are global, not India-specific. He addressed concerns about legal migration, illegal immigration, and US ties with Pakistan. The bilateral talks covered defense cooperation, including renewal of a 10-year defense partnership framework, trade negotiations, and geopolitical issues in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Rubio's visit aimed to repair ties after a challenging year.
The Indian ExpressUS energy can 'diversify' India's supply, Rubio says in Delhi visit
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on May 24, 2026, with trade and energy as the top agenda items. Rubio emphasized that U.S. energy products could diversify India's supply and that the U.S. would not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage. The visit aimed to repair ties strained by U.S. tariffs on India and Washington's growing engagement with Pakistan regarding the Iran war. An interim trade agreement had lowered U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, but a final deal remains elusive after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the tariff basis. Rubio extended an invitation from President Trump for Modi to visit the White House. Analysts note that while ties have stabilized, the lack of a comprehensive trade agreement and Trump's approach have created anxiety in New Delhi.
DAILYSABAHRubio meets Modi to push US energy sales to India amid Iran war oil crisis
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on May 23, 2026, to promote a 'partnership in energy' amid global oil supply disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran. Rubio emphasized that US energy products could diversify India's energy supply, as India relies on foreign suppliers for over 80% of its needs. He claimed India committed to purchasing $500 billion worth of US goods over five years, though New Delhi has not confirmed this. The talks also covered critical supply chains and emerging technologies. The meeting occurs against a backdrop of strained US-India ties due to a $58.2 billion trade deficit and India's continued purchases of Russian oil, which Washington has sought to curb.
RT - Daily newsUS Announces Priority Visa Program for Indian Entrepreneurs Under 'America First'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new 'America First' visa program for Indian entrepreneurs and large investors during a visit to New Delhi. The program aims to secure Indian capital, which has already injected $20.5 billion into the US economy, and accelerate the bilateral 'Mission 500' plan to double trade to $500 billion by 2030. The preferential treatment comes amid a crisis for India's technical workforce, with massive layoffs in Silicon Valley firms like Meta, Amazon, and LinkedIn affecting over 110,000 workers this year, leaving many Indian engineers facing potential expulsion. India's own tech centers like Bangalore and Hyderabad are also experiencing layoffs as Western multinationals automate services. Rubio praised the relationship between Indian PM Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump.
El FinancieroRubio meets Modi during India visit with energy high on agenda
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi as part of a four-day visit to India. The visit is dominated by energy security concerns, as the Iran war has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, severely impacting India which imports over 80% of its energy needs. Rubio emphasized that the US will not allow Iran to hold the global energy market hostage and offered US energy exports to diversify India's supply. The meeting also aimed to address the US trade deficit with India, which reached $58.2 billion in 2025. However, analysts note that US energy is more expensive and logistically challenging for India. The visit occurs amid tensions over trade negotiations and conflicting claims about who mediated the brief India-Pakistan conflict last year, as well as Trump's warm relations with Pakistan's army chief. Rubio extended an invitation for Modi to visit the White House.
BBC NewsMarco Rubio Goes to India in Repair Mode
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled for a four-day visit to India from May 23-26, 2026, aimed at repairing a bilateral relationship that has deteriorated significantly over the past year. The article, authored by CFR Senior Fellow Sadanand Dhume, outlines four key factors behind the decline: the Trump administration's public credit-taking for an India-Pakistan ceasefire, which embarrassed India; Trump's close ties with Pakistan's military ruler Asim Munir, whom India blames for a terrorist attack; the imposition of a 50% U.S. tariff on Indian imports, including a punitive 25% tariff for India's purchase of Russian oil; and growing Indian uncertainty about the U.S. commitment to great power competition with China. The visit comes after a period of high optimism in early 2025, marked by warm exchanges between PM Modi and the Trump administration, but relations have since nosedived, with Indian officials and commentators expressing unprecedented wariness.
Council on Foreign RelationsMarco Rubio Goes to India in Repair Mode
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's four-day visit to India (May 23-26, 2026) aims to repair rapidly deteriorating bilateral relations. The article details how ties have soured dramatically since early 2025, when relations appeared strong following Vice President JD Vance's visit and Prime Minister Modi's White House meeting. Four key factors explain the decline: Trump publicly taking credit for ending the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, embarrassing Modi; Trump's close ties with Pakistan's military ruler Asim Munir, whom India blames for a terrorist attack; Trump imposing a 50% tariff on India including a 25% punitive tariff for Russian oil purchases (not applied to China); and growing Indian uncertainty about U.S. commitment to great power competition with China. Indian foreign policy experts and a poll indicate widespread wariness, with 54% of Indians believing relations have worsened under Trump.
Council on Foreign Relations