Rubio extends Trump’s White House invitation to PM Modi , calls India ‘cornerstone’ of US Indo-Pacific strategy

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday conveyed an invitation from President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the White House “in the near future,” as the two leaders held extensive talks in New Delhi focused on strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnershiphe India-US strategic partnership.

“The Secretary extended an invitation, on behalf of President Trump, to the Prime Minister to visit the White House,” the statement said following the meeting.

Rubio underscored the strategic importance of the India-US partnership, rooted in shared democratic values, expanding economic and commercial opportunities, and the strong personal ties between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi.

Rubio, who is in New Delhi on a four-day visit, held wide-ranging discussions with PM Modi covering defence cooperation, bilateral trade, energy security, and regional developments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Secretary Rubio reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation on pressing regional and global challenges, including developments in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

The high-level meeting reflected the growing strategic alignment between New Delhi and Washington as the two democracies deepen collaboration in defence, trade, emerging technologies, energy security, and regional stability amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Describing the discussions as productive, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to closer coordination with the United States on key international issues.

The two leaders also discussed the current situation in the Middle East. Rubio stressed that the United States “will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage” and said US energy products could help diversify India’s energy supply. Modi, meanwhile, reaffirmed India’s longstanding support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two sides reviewed recent bilateral achievements, including major investments supporting the “Mission 500” initiative aimed at doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

“We’ve expanded commercial ties with more than $20 billion in investments from Indian companies in the United States. We’ve deepened a security partnership through military exercises in the Indo-Pacific,” Rubio said.

He described PM Modi and President Trump as two “very serious” leaders focused “not just on the short term, but on the long term.”

The Secretary and Prime Minister also agreed to deepen trade and defence cooperation and accelerate collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.

Speaking at the inauguration of the US Embassy Support Annex Building in New Delhi, Rubio said the relationship between India and the United States is “at the cornerstone of our approach to the Indo-Pacific.”

He noted that his first official engagement as Secretary of State was a meeting of the Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia and that he deliberately chose India as the venue to signal New Delhi’s importance to Washington.

“We wanted to do it here, not just because of our commitment to that structure of work, but also as a tangible sign of what an important role India plays in the United States’ approach to the Indo-Pacific,” Rubio said.

Highlighting key milestones in bilateral ties, Rubio pointed to over $20 billion in Indian investments in the United States and expanding joint military exercises across the Indo-Pacific region. He also announced a new “America First” visa schedule aimed at prioritising business professionals and strengthening economic engagement between the two countries.

Rubio also spoke warmly about the rapport between Trump and Modi, saying their relationship dates back to Trump’s first administration and continues to play an important role in bilateral ties.

“You can just see the connection between them, and I think that’s incredibly important,” he said.

Looking ahead, Rubio said Washington expected further progress in bilateral ties in the coming months.

“We think in the months ahead, we’re going to have even more exciting and new announcements to make about the development and the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries,” he added.

The visit carries added significance ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled in New Delhi on May 26, where ministers from India, the United States, Japan, and Australia are expected to deliberate on Indo-Pacific security, maritime cooperation, and regional developments, including the situation in West Asia.

The Secretary and Prime Minister agreed to deepen trade and defense cooperation and accelerate collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.

Secretary Rubio shared his appreciation for India hosting the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and looked forward to advancing a “free and open Indo-Pacific” alongside India, Japan, and Australia.