US secretary of state visits India to strengthen strained bilateral ties

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in India for high-level talks aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi, which has recently faced strains over trade disputes and shifting regional dynamics.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor welcomed Rubio’s visit, posting on X that he was “honored” to receive the Secretary of State in India and highlighting an “ambitious agenda” that includes the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He said the discussions would focus on advancing the US administration’s vision for a stronger US-India partnership, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Honored to welcome my friend @SecRubio to India! We have an ambitious agenda ahead, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, focused on advancing @POTUS' vision for an even stronger U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress… pic.twitter.com/NpCQRVeUIm

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026

Rubio landed in Kolkata on May 23, where he visited the headquarters of a humanitarian organisation and religious group founded by Mother Teresa. He is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi later the same day, alongside engagements at US Embassy events.

According to the US State Department, the talks will cover key areas of cooperation, including trade, energy, and defence. The four-day visit—Rubio’s first to India—is also expected to include stops in Agra and Jaipur.

The visit comes amid efforts by Washington to deepen ties with India as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, positioning New Delhi as a counterbalance to China and Russia. However, relations have been tested in recent years, particularly after tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, some of which were later eased under interim agreements. Despite progress, the two sides have yet to finalise a comprehensive trade deal.

By Sabina Mammadli