US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a two-day visit to India on Tuesday, with trade negotiations, Russian oil imports and bilateral relations expected to top the agenda.
The visit comes days after US President Donald Trump stepped back from a potential move to impose additional tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian crude oil. Washington and New Delhi are now seeking to finalise a comprehensive trade agreement.
During his visit to western India, Rubio is scheduled to meet government and business leaders in Mumbai and Jamnagar, including Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. Reliance operates the world’s largest oil refining complex in Jamnagar.
Officials from both countries have recently indicated that negotiations on a broader trade agreement are nearing completion, raising the possibility of a deal being signed during Rubio’s visit.
Last Friday, Trump stepped back from a potential tariff move targeting India over its substantial purchases of Russian crude. A law signed by Trump in September authorises his administration to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian oil. India ranks second after China on the list.
The decision has drawn criticism from some Democrats and Republicans who want Washington to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
Rubio recently said efforts to finalise a trade agreement with India were among the factors behind the decision to ease tariff pressure. India, meanwhile, has been seeking to reduce its dependence on Russian crude and diversify its energy supplies, although it continues to buy several million barrels of Russian oil daily.
The US administration is conducting a 60-day review to assess whether further tariffs should be imposed over India’s Russian oil purchases.
Speaking on Sunday, Rubio said countries such as India had voluntarily diversified their energy supplies but could not switch to alternative sources overnight. He also described India as an important US ally and partner.
The issue has raised questions about Washington’s policy priorities after the Trump administration, which has pressed India to reduce Russian oil imports, reportedly reached a deal with Russia last week to import diesel. The move was aimed at lowering domestic fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections, according to the report.
Asked on Monday about India’s purchases of Russian oil, Rubio said the complexities of each country’s circumstances must be considered, including geographical factors that can make alternative energy supplies difficult to obtain.
India imports more than 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements to sustain its rapidly growing economy.
Before travelling to India, Rubio met political and business leaders in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He was expected to travel from there to Mumbai.
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