Washington, May 20: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from May 23 to 26 for high-level discussions focused on the Quad partnership, trade, defence cooperation and regional security issues.
According to the US State Department, Rubio will travel to Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi during his India visit after attending the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, on May 22.
The visit comes at a significant time as India and the United States strengthen strategic cooperation amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and the Middle East.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio would hold meetings with senior Indian officials to discuss energy security, defence cooperation and bilateral trade relations.
Apart from bilateral engagements, Rubio is also expected to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting involving India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
Focus On Quad And Regional Security
Industry expert Mukesh Aghi said Rubio’s visit is important for strengthening the India-US strategic partnership and reviving the Quad framework.
He stated that discussions are likely to focus on maritime security concerns linked to the Strait of Hormuz and regional stability in view of ongoing Middle East tensions.
Aghi also said India is expected to seek clarity regarding recent diplomatic developments involving China and their possible regional implications.
According to the US State Department, Rubio will also discuss defence burden sharing and security cooperation during the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Sweden before arriving in India.
Officials said the visit is expected to address multiple strategic, economic and security issues between the two countries.
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