Jaishankar hosts Rubio in New Delhi, citing 'deep' US cooperation

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Saturday welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to New Delhi for the American diplomat's maiden visit to the South Asian nation, hailing "very deep, very broad-based cooperation" between the strategic allies at a time of rising global uncertainty.

Strategic partnership

In opening remarks, Jaishankar said the two nations share a "comprehensive global strategic partnership" that extends beyond bilateral boundaries to impact regions worldwide. "That is because we have converging interests on many issues and in many parts of the world," he said, noting the discussions were taking place in "complicated times." The comments come as Washington and New Delhi seek to navigate persistent friction over trade policy.

Trade tensions and regional issues

Bilateral ties have faced strain over US President Donald Trump's tariff increases on Indian exports and his recent assertions regarding American mediation in last year's tensions with Pakistan. Rubio told reporters that Washington and New Delhi are "strategic allies (which) is not simply committed to a region," adding that both nations see opportunities for cooperation extending globally to the western hemisphere. Officials said the visit aims to advance collaboration in defense, energy and trade sectors.

Visit agenda

Rubio arrived in India early Saturday for a four-day itinerary that includes meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visits to Agra and Jaipur before participating in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue on Tuesday. Following bilateral talks, Rubio announced that India has "committed to purchasing $500 billion in US goods over the next five years focusing on energy, technology, and agriculture," according to statements released after the meetings.