Rubio leaves India, says visit advanced economic and strategic priorities

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio left India on Thursday. While departing, he said the visit helped advance the economic and strategic priorities of the two countries in the region. He also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in mutual economic ties and energy security.

In a post on X, Rubio wrote, "Just departed India having advanced our economic and strategic priorities in the region." He added that continuing to expand cooperation on economic partnership and energy security makes both countries stronger.

The visit came as New Delhi and Washington are trying to strengthen their strategic partnership. Talks are on over a proposed bilateral trade agreement between the two, and efforts to expand cooperation in the energy sector are also continuing.

During his engagements in Mumbai, Rubio held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed the India-US strategic partnership and the progress made in negotiations on the proposed trade agreement. Both countries are seeking to deepen economic ties and explore new avenues of cooperation in key areas.

The visit also came amid efforts to strengthen the Quad partnership. The Quad comprises India, the US, Japan and Australia. The group wants to expand cooperation in areas such as maritime security, critical minerals, emerging technologies and energy security, alongside its larger strategic aims. These are its focus in the Indo-Pacific region.

Rubio also paid tribute to the victims of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks by laying flowers. Six American citizens were killed in the attack. The gesture underlined the two countries' shared concern over terrorism and the importance of mutual cooperation on security issues.

Energy security also remained a major aspect of India-US ties. The talks between the two countries took place against the backdrop of India's energy needs, its imports of Russian petroleum and opportunities to increase purchases of American energy resources.

The visit also saw discussion of Reliance Industries' possible investment in a new petroleum processing facility in the US. Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador to India, had mentioned the proposed project in the context of boosting domestic energy production and creating jobs.

Rubio's remarks on departure make clear that Washington's emphasis is on advancing economic cooperation and energy security together with larger strategic priorities. The two countries will continue to look for ways to strengthen the partnership through trade talks, energy cooperation and engagement on regional issues.