Rubio's visit to India focuses on US trade tensions, the Quad alliance
and sightseeing
[May 26, 2026] By
SHEIKH SAALIQ
NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India
marks an effort by Washington and New Delhi to steady strained relations
as the two countries seek to reinforce strategic and economic ties
despite recent trade tensions.
In meetings Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign
Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Rubio stressed cooperation on trade,
energy, defense and maritime security. Rubio said the countries remained
strategically aligned and expressed optimism about a broader trade deal.
Rubio’s four-day trip also includes talks with members from the
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Indo-Pacific alliance more commonly
known as the Quad.
Here is what Rubio’s visit means for India-U.S. ties:
India-US ties strained by tariffs
Relations between India and the U.S. have strained in recent months
after the Trump administration imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports,
partly over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move
angered Indian officials and fueled concerns in the Indian government
over Washington’s reliability.
The two countries later reached an interim trade arrangement that eased
some tariffs and expanded Indian purchases of U.S. goods, including
energy products. But talks on a broader trade deal remain unresolved.
Despite the tensions, India and the U.S. continue to strengthen defense
and technology ties, with Washington viewing India as a key
counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his talks with Jaishankar on Sunday, Rubio described India as one
of Washington’s most important strategic partners and said he was
optimistic the two countries would finalize a bilateral trade deal soon.
Rubio also conveyed an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump for
Modi to visit Washington later this year.
Questions over the Quad’s role
Rubio’s visit also is expected to include talks on Tuesday with foreign
ministers from India, Australia and Japan, which are member nations of
the Quad alliance along with the United States.
The grouping has become a key platform for cooperation on maritime
security, supply chains and regional strategy as China expands its
military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad has repeatedly criticized China’s actions in the South China
Sea, accusing Beijing of militarizing disputed waters. The Chinese
government has accused the Quad of trying to contain China’s rise and
regional influence.
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United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the
journalists before boarding his plane at Indira Gandhi International
Airport in New Delhi, India, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia
Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)
 Recent trade tensions between
Washington and New Delhi, along with Trump’s recent visit to China,
have prompted renewed attention to the grouping.
Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group,
said India’s growing global influence has been largely tied to its
role in balancing China’s power in the region and any shift in U.S.
policy toward Beijing could affect New Delhi’s strategic value to
Washington.
“If the U.S. changes its approach towards China, it will diminish
India’s importance,” Donthi said.
Iran war adds pressure on India
The Iran war has added to India’s energy concerns, raising worries
about shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for the
country’s crude imports. Rising fuel costs have increased pressure
on the Indian economy.
Jaishankar said Sunday that India would continue expanding energy
imports, including from the U.S., while diversifying suppliers to
keep markets stable and prices affordable. He said New Delhi wants
energy markets to remain open and unconstrained to support global
economic growth.
India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude since the start of the
Ukraine war has at times strained relations with the U.S.
Washington has urged India to increase purchases of U.S. oil and gas
as part of broader efforts to diversify energy supplies, with Rubio
emphasizing stronger energy cooperation during meetings in New
Delhi.
Sightseeing in India
Alongside official meetings, Rubio’s visit also has included
cultural engagements.
He began the trip in eastern city Kolkata and visited the
Missionaries of Charity headquarters founded by Mother Teresa. He
also attended a gala reception in New Delhi marking the 250th
anniversary of U.S. independence.
Rubio's itinerary includes stops in the cities of Agra and Jaipur,
two of India’s most visited tourist destinations known for
monuments, forts and palaces.
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