Big Diplomatic Move: US Secretary Marco Rubio Meets PM Modi, Invites Him To White House

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the White House on behalf of President Donald Trump, signalling a fresh push in US-India ties. The proposal came during talks in New Delhi that focused on security, trade and wider strategic cooperation, including the Indo-Pacific.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor announced the development on X after the meeting with PM Modi and senior American officials. Gor confirmed that the invitation was passed on "for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future", highlighting Washington's interest in deeper engagement with New Delhi.

US-India cooperation highlighted through invite and ambassador's remarks

"Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump, for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future," Gor wrote, posting the message with the US and Indian flags. The ambassador described India as a "vital partner" for the United States in the region.

Gor later added that the conversation with PM Modi concentrated on strengthening cooperation in sensitive and strategic fields. "Great to join @SecRubio for a meeting with Prime Minister @narendramodi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies - areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific," he wrote.

US-India cooperation covers defence, technology and Indo-Pacific strategy

The latest outreach comes as both governments seek to expand ties across defence, advanced technology and Indo-Pacific coordination. Officials discussed defence partnerships, strategic technologies, connectivity and energy security. They also looked at trade and investment, education links and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the wide scope of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

During the talks, Rubio briefed PM Modi on progress in multiple sectors, underscoring momentum in bilateral cooperation. Regional and international developments also featured, including the evolving situation in West Asia. PM Modi reiterated India's support for global peace efforts and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy should guide the resolution of ongoing conflicts.

After the meeting, PM Modi posted on X that he was "happy to receive" Rubio. "Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for... pic.twitter.com/CuD0DdDXB7" - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2026. PM Modi also conveyed warm greetings to Trump through Rubio and noted interest in continuing exchanges with the American President.

Rubio is on a four-day visit to India from May 23 to 26, accompanied by spouse Jeanette D Rubio, Ambassador Sergio Gor and US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel. The delegation first landed in Kolkata on Saturday morning, marking the first visit by a senior American ambassador-level official to the city in 14 years before heading to New Delhi.