India US strategic partnership: Modi meets Rubio on West Asia crisis and key ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and the United States "will continue to work closely for the global good\" after talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio briefed Modi on the West Asia crisis. The two sides also discussed stronger cooperation in defence, strategic technologies, trade, and energy security. Rubio met Modi soon after arriving in New Delhi.

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Rubio also invited Modi, on behalf of President Donald Trump, to visit the White House soon. The US Secretary of State called India the cornerstone of Washington’s Indo-Pacific approach. The US State Department said Rubio and Modi agreed to expand trade and defence cooperation. It also said both sides would speed up work on critical and emerging technologies.

India-US partnership and West Asia talks

\"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,\" Modi said on social media. Modi added, \"India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good,\" highlighting continued coordination on wider security concerns.

US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the leaders reviewed the Middle East situation. Pigott said, \"The Secretary emphasised that the United States will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage and affirmed that US energy products have the potential to diversify Indias energy supply.\" Pigott also cited \"profound economic and commercial opportunities\" for both countries.

According to an Indian readout, Rubio outlined steady progress in cooperation across defence and strategic technologies. The brief also covered trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education, and people-to-people links. It said Rubio shared the US view on regional and global issues. Modi reiterated support for peace efforts and urged dialogue and diplomacy.

India-US cooperation and Quad meetings

Rubio’s four-day India trip included plans for talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Rubio also attended a Quad foreign ministers conclave. Pigott said Rubio welcomed India hosting the Quad meeting. Pigott said Rubio looked to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific with Australia, India, and Japan.

After meeting Modi, Rubio spoke at an event at the US embassy. Rubio described India as \"an incredibly important partner\" for the US. Rubio said both sides planned major announcements in coming months. Rubio also spoke about the relationship between Modi and Trump and its effect on bilateral ties.

\"The connection between the leaders is incredibly important. These are two very serious leaders who are focussed not just on the short-term, but on the long-term. I think that that is important to note, because its a key part of the foundation, the relationship between our countries,\" Rubio said.

The Prime Minister’s Office readout said Modi asked Rubio to pass warm greetings to Trump. It also said Modi looked forward to continued exchanges. Pigott added that Rubio and Modi discussed investments tied to \"Mission 500\". The goal is to double trade by 2030, according to the US side.

India-US ties, consular services, and travel plan

US Ambassador Gor, part of the Rubio delegation, called the Modi meeting productive. Gor wrote on X, \"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. India is a vital partner to the United States!\"

Rubio inaugurated the Support Annex Building, which the US Mission said would provide key consular services. Rubio said, \"We recognise that an orderly and secure consular system is vital to solidify this important relationship. Thats why were introducing a new America first visa scheduling tool that prioritises business professionals who strengthen these ties,\" outlining a change in visa scheduling.

Rubio arrived in Kolkata earlier and visited the Mother House, headquarters of Saint Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. Rubio then flew to the national capital. Rubio was scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Jaishankar on Sunday. Rubio then planned visits to Agra and Jaipur on Monday, and a return to Delhi Tuesday morning.

The visit came after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Washington DC for three days, more than five weeks earlier. That trip focused on steadying ties after strain. Relations dipped after punitive US tariffs and Trump’s claims on de-escalating India-Pakistan clashes last May. New Delhi said the halt followed India-Pakistan talks.

Despite tensions, both sides worked in recent months to repair relations. The two sides said they aimed to finalise a mutually beneficial trade deal soon. Trump and Modi also spoke by phone for nearly 40 minutes on April 14. After the call, Modi said both sides reviewed progress and stayed committed to the partnership.

With inputs from PTI