Marco Rubio heralds India as rising global power, Trump visit slated

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India is rapidly emerging as a global power and that the personal relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump "couldn't be closer." He described U.S.–India ties as "fantastic," noting that trade talks are in their final stages and an interim agreement is expected before July 24, with a broader deal to follow. Rubio also affirmed U.S. support for New Delhi’s strategy to diversify its energy sources, calling it a "big diplomatic victory," and said the two countries will reconvene at the next Quad meeting, which India will host.

Rubio indicated that President Trump is expected to make an official visit to India early next year, potentially in 2027, to cement the strengthening partnership. The remarks came during a visit to New Delhi and in interviews with Indian news agencies, highlighting cooperation on economics, supply chains, critical minerals, energy security and navigation freedom.