Marco Rubio’s India Visit: Trade, Defence and Energy Cooperation Set to Dominate Talks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met a US Congressional delegation in Mumbai to discuss trade, energy, security, technology and Indo-Pacific cooperation ahead of talks with Marco Rubio.

Post Published By: DN Bureau
Updated : 20 October 2026, 3:43 PM IST
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Mumbai: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met a US Congressional delegation in Mumbai on Tuesday to discuss key aspects of India-US relations, including trade, energy, security and technology. The meeting comes ahead of Jaishankar’s scheduled talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

India-US Trade, Energy and Technology Cooperation Discussed

The delegation comprised Jason Smith, David Schweikert, Elise Stefanik, Andy Ogles and Laura Friedman. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were also present during the discussions.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he appreciated the delegation’s positive approach towards strengthening bilateral ties. The discussions also covered ease of doing business in India and opportunities to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Trade, energy security, technological advancements and regional cooperation remain important areas of engagement between New Delhi and Washington as both countries seek to expand their strategic and economic partnership.

Jaishankar, Marco Rubio to Hold Talks in Mumbai

Jaishankar is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later on Tuesday. Rubio’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to review bilateral relations and identify avenues for further cooperation.

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The Ministry of External Affairs said the talks are expected to cover trade, energy, investment, defence, critical and emerging technologies along with regional and global developments.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on October 16 that the visit would help sustain high-level engagement and advance shared priorities under the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Rubio to Visit 26/11 Memorial, Meet Maharashtra CM

During his Mumbai engagements, Rubio will pay tribute at the 26/11 memorial at the Taj Hotel and attend the ‘Freedom 250’ reception marking the 250th anniversary of American independence as a Guest of Honour. He is also expected to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

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Following his Mumbai visit, Rubio will travel to Jamnagar in Gujarat for discussions that are expected to include enhanced energy cooperation.

According to the US State Department, this will be Rubio’s second official visit to India this year. He is also scheduled to meet senior Indian officials and business leaders to strengthen strategic relations, discuss global developments and explore opportunities for commercial investment and economic cooperation.

Location :  Mumbai

Published :  20 October 2026, 3:42 PM IST

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