Rubio arrives in Delhi for Quad talks, Energy and Defence discussions

‎United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in New Delhi on Saturday after concluding a visit to Kolkata, where he paid respects at the Missionaries of Charity’s Mother House, as Washington and New Delhi prepare for high-level talks on energy, trade, defence and Indo-Pacific security.

‎‎Rubio is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, deliver remarks at the dedication ceremony of the new U.S. Embassy Support Annex Building, and attend a reception at Roosevelt House hosted by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

‎‎The visit comes ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26, where India, the United States, Japan and Australia are expected to discuss Indo-Pacific security and regional developments in West Asia.

‎‎Rubio travelled to Delhi from Kolkata with his wife, Jeanette D. Rubio, and U.S. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.

‎‎In Kolkata, Rubio visited the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity and spent time at the tomb of Mother Teresa. He also briefly interacted with airport officials and staff before departing for the national capital.

‎“Joined U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kolkata for a visit to the Missionaries of Charity,” Ambassador Gor said in a post on X. “Moments like these remind us the U.S.-India partnership rests not only on strong policies, but also on shared values and the spirit of selfless service that transcends borders.”

‎‎Sister Concettina, Secretary General of the Missionaries of Charity, described Rubio’s visit as personal and reflective. The last American Secretary of State to visit Kolkata was Hillary Clinton in May 2012.

‎‎Rubio will also travel to Agra and Jaipur during his India visit.

‎‎Ahead of the trip, Rubio signalled that energy cooperation would be a key focus of discussions with Indian leaders, as the United States seeks to expand exports to one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.

‎‎“The U.S. wants to sell as much energy as India will buy,” Rubio told reporters in Miami before departing for Sweden and India. “We are at historic levels of production and export. We want to be able to do more.”

‎‎Rubio said Washington was already in discussions with Indian authorities to deepen energy ties amid disruptions in global fuel supplies linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

‎‎U.S. officials said Washington also aims to strengthen cooperation with India in advanced technologies, defence manufacturing and strategic supply chains.

‎On May 26, Rubio will participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by Jaishankar, alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

‎“There will be a lot to discuss during this important visit, including key engagements with Quad partners,” Rubio said ahead of the trip.