Former diplomat Veena Sikri has said that the key issue in the evolving India-US relationship is not simply the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but the substance of the discussions taking place between New Delhi and Washington.

She stressed that trade negotiations and India's demand for preferential treatment will be closely watched before any agreement is finalised.

Sikri suggested that Rubio's planned visit to Jamnagar is likely linked to Reliance Industries’ major investment in the United States. She noted that Reliance is involved in a refinery project in Texas that has been described as the first major refinery development in the US in around 50 years, making it a significant symbol of growing economic engagement between the two countries.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a $300 billion partnership with Reliance Industries for the "America First Refining" project at the Port of Brownsville, Texas. The project has emerged as a prominent feature of energy cooperation between India and the United States and is expected to be a major point of discussion during Rubio's visit.

Commenting on trade and tariff issues, Sikri described them as a normal part of bilateral relations. She pointed to announcements that the Trump administration would not proceed with additional tariffs of up to 100 per cent under legislation associated with Senator Lindsey Graham over India's purchases of Russian oil and petroleum products.

She also referred to separate US-Russia arrangements under which some sanctions on Russia are expected to be eased while Russia supplies large quantities of diesel to the United States. According to Sikri, such developments form part of broader global negotiations, including efforts to manage energy prices in the US ahead of elections.

On the proposed India-US trade agreement, Sikri emphasised that India has made its position clear and will not sign a deal unless it secures preferential treatment. She said the most important question will be the final shape of any trade pact and whether India's long-standing demands receive adequate consideration.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will host UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai on 19-20 October. The visit will focus on reviewing the full spectrum of cooperation under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including energy, trade, investment, fintech, connectivity and defence, alongside discussions on West Asia and wider global issues.

EAM Jaishankar will also meet Rubio in Mumbai on 20 October and attend celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence as Guest of Honour. The talks are expected to cover energy, trade, investment, defence, critical and emerging technologies, regional developments and other areas of mutual interest under the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

The UAE visit follows Jaishankar's recent trip to the Emirates from 14 to 16 October, where he held discussions with senior leaders and participated in the Raisina Middle East event. Indian officials view the upcoming engagements as an opportunity to advance strategic partnerships with both Abu Dhabi and Washington.

According to the US State Department, Rubio's India visit forms part of a wider regional tour and will include stops in Mumbai and Jamnagar. Alongside meetings with senior Indian officials, he is expected to engage with business leaders to promote commercial investment, economic cooperation and enhanced energy collaboration between the two countries.

The choice of Mumbai as the venue reflects a broader Indian diplomatic practice of hosting high-level foreign dignitaries outside New Delhi. Officials highlighted recent examples in cities such as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Varanasi, Goa, Kevadia and Amritsar, underscoring a longstanding effort to showcase different regions of the country during important diplomatic engagements.

ANI