Marco Rubio Says India‑US Trade Deal Near Finalization in Mumbai

Marco Rubio told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday that the India‑US trade agreement is a few steps away from being signed, citing a "small number of items" still pending.

The statement came just before the U.S. Secretary of State met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, where they outlined a roadmap for deeper energy, defense and technology collaboration.

Jaishankar posted on X that the two leaders "shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people‑to‑people ties," signalling bipartisan support for the pact.

Rubio highlighted India’s status as a refining superpower, praising the country’s ability to process Venezuelan crude and suggesting that increased imports could fill gaps created by shifting global supplies.

The chief diplomat will visit Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery on Wednesday, a move that underscores Washington’s push for a diversified energy portfolio amid concerns over Russian oil.

Before the talks, Rubio laid a wreath at the Taj Memorial to honor the 26/11 victims, including six Americans, a gesture that framed the visit as both diplomatic and commemorative.

With the deal’s finalization on the horizon, officials say the signing could occur by the end of the month, paving the way for joint projects that could deepen strategic ties between the two countries.