Finance
Visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly after his arrival in New Delhi on Saturday and extended an invitation on behalf of US President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the White House in the near future.
Following the meeting, PM Modi stated that both countries will continue to collaborate closely for the greater benefit.
“Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Taking to X, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor stated that, during the meeting, both sides had a “productive discussion” on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across various sectors.
He also mentioned that India remains a “vital partner” to the United States.
“Great to join Secretary Rubio for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies – areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States!” Gor posted on X.
“News! Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump, for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future!”, he added in another post.
Earlier in the day, Rubio arrived in Kolkata, kicking off his four-day visit to India. He was welcomed by Ambassador Gor at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Accompanied by his wife, Jeanette Rubio, the US Secretary of State visited Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.
“Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defence, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!”, Gor stated on X after Rubio’s arrival in Kolkata.
Rubio was the first US Secretary of State to visit Kolkata since Hillary Clinton did in May 2012. His visit comes only weeks after West Bengal experienced a huge political transition, with a BJP-led administration taking power in the state.
Rubio’s India itinerary, which includes stops in Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, is considered diplomatically crucial due to anticipated energy discussions with India and meetings with Quad ministers.
Ahead of his visit to India, Rubio stated that Washington intends to strengthen energy connections with New Delhi and improve coordination through the Quad, calling India as a “great ally” and “great partner” in the face of global supply disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Rubio’s visit will strengthen the India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Source: IANS
