Mumbai: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at advancing bilateral trade negotiations, with New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil remaining a key issue in Washington’s policy discussions.
Rubio is scheduled to meet senior government and business leaders, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, during his visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar in Gujarat.
The visit comes days after US President Donald Trump waived potential tariffs targeting countries importing Russian oil, removing a significant obstacle in the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.
US officials have indicated that a comprehensive trade agreement is close to being finalised, raising the possibility that the deal could be signed during Rubio’s visit.
The Trump administration had been considering punitive tariffs under legislation signed by the US President in September, which authorises duties of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil. India ranks second after China among the countries on the list.
Rubio recently said that negotiations with India were among the factors behind Washington’s decision to waive the proposed tariffs. He also noted that India had been diversifying its energy imports away from Russia, although it continues to purchase substantial quantities of Russian crude.
The US administration has initiated a 60-day review period to determine whether additional tariffs should be imposed.
Acknowledging the challenges associated with shifting energy suppliers, Rubio said countries must consider geographical and economic realities while securing their energy requirements. He described India as an important ally and partner of the United States.
India imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements to meet the energy needs of its rapidly growing economy.
The discussions take place against the backdrop of Washington’s efforts to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. However, the US recently signed a deal with Russia to import diesel, reportedly to help reduce domestic fuel prices ahead of the American midterm elections.
Rubio travelled to India from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where he had been meeting political and business leaders from Central Asia.
