US Embassy Marks One Year of India-US Major Defence Partnership, Highlights Expanding Strategic Cooperation

The United States Embassy in India has marked the first anniversary of the US-India Major Defence Partnership framework, underscoring the steady expansion of defence cooperation between the two countries across multiple domains.

The framework, signed on 31 October 2025 by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, serves as a guiding blueprint for the evolving defence relationship between New Delhi and Washington over the coming decade.

In a message shared on X, the US Embassy described the agreement as a landmark framework that directs bilateral defence engagement. It highlighted several priority areas, including operational coordination, information sharing, regional and global cooperation, defence industrial collaboration, and joint efforts in science and technology.

Emphasising the breadth of the partnership, the embassy stated: “Advancing cooperation across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.” The framework reflects the growing strategic convergence between the two democracies amid an increasingly complex Indo-Pacific security environment.

The anniversary comes shortly after Rajnath Singh met his American counterpart Pete Hegseth in Cebu, the Philippines, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). 

Their discussions built upon the momentum generated by the signing of the 10-year framework, which established a long-term roadmap to deepen military cooperation, defence innovation, industrial partnerships and strategic coordination.

The agreement was formally signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus on 31 October 2025. According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the framework is designed to provide a unified strategic vision and policy direction for strengthening defence ties between the two nations and enhancing interoperability between their armed forces.

Following the ASEAN meetings, Rajnath Singh departed for New Delhi after completing a series of high-level engagements. In addition to his talks with Hegseth, he held bilateral meetings with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. He also met Philippine Defence Minister Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., South Korean Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul and Singaporean Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, reflecting India’s continued efforts to deepen regional security cooperation.

During the 13th ADMM-Plus, Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening defence partnerships with ASEAN member states and promoting peace, stability and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific. He proposed the creation of an ‘India-ASEAN Youth Bridge’ aimed at expanding people-to-people links, encouraging digital innovation and supporting capacity-building initiatives for young people across India and Southeast Asia.

The Defence Minister also reiterated India’s commitment to regional security and counter-terrorism cooperation. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he highlighted India’s approach towards combating terrorist infrastructure and enhancing collective efforts against transnational security threats.

ADMM remains ASEAN’s highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism, while ADMM-Plus brings together the bloc’s member states and eight dialogue partners, namely India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The platform has emerged as a key forum for advancing defence cooperation, strategic dialogue and confidence-building measures across the Indo-Pacific.

India became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1992, and the inaugural ADMM-Plus meeting was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 12 October 2010. Since 2017, defence ministers participating in the grouping have met annually to strengthen military cooperation and address shared security challenges.

The Philippines currently serves as chair of ADMM-Plus for 2026. Within the ADMM-Plus framework, India and Malaysia are co-chairing the Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024-2027 cycle.

India’s active role in these mechanisms highlights the growing importance of its defence diplomacy in Southeast Asia under the Act East policy, which seeks to promote regional stability, security cooperation and shared economic growth.

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India-US Trade Pact Nears Finish Line As Negotiators Move To Final Fine-Tuning Stage Says Minister Piyush Goyal

India and the United States have concluded the majority of discussions on their proposed bilateral trade agreement and have now entered the final phase of fine-tuning the pact, signalling significant progress towards a deal that both sides hope to finalise in the near future.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced the development while addressing the India-Netherlands Business Forum in The Hague during his two-day official visit to the Netherlands, where he is leading a business delegation.

Providing an update on the negotiations, Goyal said, “We have concluded most of the discussions and are fine-tuning the agreement.”

His remarks suggest that the long-running negotiations between New Delhi and Washington are approaching their final stages despite continued uncertainty surrounding the United States' tariff policies and other trade-related issues.

During his address, Goyal also underscored India's accelerating global trade engagement, pointing out that the country has concluded nine free trade agreements over the past four and a half years as part of its broader strategy to expand market access and deepen economic partnerships.

The minister's comments come shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed confidence that the agreement was close to completion.

Rubio indicated that only a limited number of issues remain unresolved and suggested that negotiators have already settled the vast majority of contentious matters.

“I would say we're about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement. I think there's a small number of items left to wrap up,” Rubio said.

He further expressed optimism that the remaining issues could be resolved in the near future, paving the way for the formal conclusion of the agreement and its eventual signing by the leaders of both countries.

Negotiations over the bilateral trade agreement have been underway for more than a year, reflecting the strategic importance both nations attach to strengthening economic ties. The proposed arrangement is intended to expand market access, boost bilateral trade flows and address a range of longstanding concerns related to tariffs, agricultural products, industrial goods and regulatory restrictions.

India and the United States had earlier announced the finalisation of a framework for the first phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in February.

However, subsequent changes in the US tariff environment prompted additional rounds of negotiations as both sides worked to adapt the proposed pact to evolving trade conditions.

The agreement is widely viewed as an important step towards creating a more predictable and stable trade framework between the world's largest and fifth-largest economies.

Recent discussions have focused on narrowing differences over tariff structures, improving market access for businesses and reducing barriers that have historically complicated trade between the two countries.

The progress reported by both Indian and US officials suggests that negotiators have largely resolved the most difficult issues and are now working through the remaining technical details. The prospective agreement also forms part of a broader effort by both governments to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, energy, investment and strategic sectors.

With officials on both sides signalling that only a handful of matters remain unresolved, expectations are growing that the India-US trade pact could soon move from negotiation to execution, marking a major milestone in the economic relationship between the two countries.

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Marco Rubio To Convene G20 Foreign Ministers In Atlanta Ahead of Trump’s Leaders’ Summit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, on October 30-31 to host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, bringing together senior diplomats from the world’s leading economies for discussions focused on economic cooperation and global security.

According to the US Department of State, the two-day ministerial gathering will serve as a key platform for advancing practical cooperation on a range of shared economic and security challenges facing the international community.

Washington has indicated that a major focus of the discussions will be the growing impact of geopolitical crises on the global economy. US officials believe that ongoing international tensions are contributing to economic shocks that continue to affect countries across multiple regions.

Foreign ministers are expected to examine ways to strengthen supply-chain resilience, safeguard freedom of navigation, and address concerns surrounding energy and food security, all of which have emerged as critical issues amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions to global trade networks.

The State Department stressed that global security and economic prosperity are closely interconnected, arguing that economic stability cannot be separated from broader international security concerns.

“Throughout the ministerial, the United States will work with G20 partners to address geopolitical crises contributing to global economic shocks, including threats to freedom of navigation, energy and food security, and supply chains.

Global security and economic prosperity are inextricably linked, and these discussions will set the stage for President Trump’s G20 Leaders’ Summit and the broader economic agenda that leaders will tackle,” the State Department said.

The Atlanta meeting is expected to play an important preparatory role ahead of US President Donald Trump’s forthcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, where heads of government will take up many of the economic and strategic issues discussed by foreign ministers.

US officials have described Atlanta as a major hub of diplomacy, connectivity and commerce, making it an appropriate venue for talks centred on economic growth, international cooperation and global competitiveness.

The United States has also emphasised that its approach to the G20 is focused on reinforcing the grouping’s core economic mission, including efforts aimed at promoting growth, strengthening economic security and improving cooperation among major economies.

The G20 remains one of the world’s most influential multilateral forums, bringing together both developed and developing economies to address global economic and financial challenges. Collectively, its members account for around 85 per cent of global GDP, more than 75 per cent of international trade and approximately two-thirds of the world’s population.

Its membership consists of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside the European Union and the African Union.

Unlike many international organisations, the G20 does not maintain a permanent secretariat or standing staff. Instead, responsibility for coordinating the forum rotates annually through the G20 Presidency, with the host nation guiding discussions and setting priorities for the year.

The Atlanta foreign ministers’ meeting is therefore expected to provide an important opportunity for leading economies to align positions on economic resilience, trade stability, energy security and broader geopolitical challenges before discussions move to the leaders’ level later this year.

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European Parliament Delegation’s India Visit Set To Deepen EU-India Strategic Partnership Ahead of FTA Signing

European Union Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet has welcomed the upcoming visit of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) delegation to New Delhi from 26 to 28 October, describing it as an important step ahead of the proposed signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In a message on X, Paquet said: “Look forward to the visit of @Europarl_EN Foreign Affairs Committee in New Delhi (26-28 Oct), ahead of FTA signing.”

He added: “Led by Chair @DavidMcAllister, they’ll be meeting Government, Parliament & business leaders to discuss how to further strengthen #EUIndia Strategic Agenda.”

The delegation will be led by AFET Committee Chair David McAllister and will undertake what has been described as the committee’s first official visit to India under the European Parliament’s current mandate.

During their stay in New Delhi, members of the delegation are scheduled to hold discussions with representatives of the Indian government, Parliament, business community, think tanks and non-governmental organisations.

Talks are expected to focus on the EU-India Strategic Agenda, as well as major geopolitical challenges affecting both partners. Particular attention will be given to strengthening the strategic partnership and addressing shared concerns across the Indo-Pacific and other regions.

The visit comes at a significant moment in India-EU relations, with both sides moving closer to formalising the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement after years of negotiations. The agreement is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious trade arrangements pursued by either side and is expected to deepen economic integration, investment flows and supply-chain resilience.

The development also follows Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Germany on 22 October, where he led a delegation of nearly 100 representatives from various sectors of Indian industry.

Addressing an India-Germany business roundtable, Goyal expressed confidence that the India-EU FTA could be signed before the end of the year, subject to the completion of necessary procedures.

“You rightly mentioned Ms. von der Leyen’s comment about India and EU FTA being the mother of all deals. It took twenty years, but I can assure you the agreement really got finalised in the last thirteen months,” Goyal said.

He noted that the conclusion of negotiations had been announced on 27 January and credited the political commitment shown by both India and the 27-member European Union in bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion.

Earlier this month, Paquet described the India-EU FTA as “an absolute game changer for India and Europe”, underlining its potential to boost trade, investment and supply chains while expanding cooperation in defence and economic security.

Speaking at the Annual Session and Champion Awards 2026 of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers in New Delhi, he said: “What lies ahead is the signing of the Free Trade Agreement. In principle, we aim to conclude the FTA by the end of this year and intend to bring it into force in the course of 2027. This is an absolute game changer for India and Europe.”

Paquet also expressed hope that the FTA would be accompanied by an Investment Protection Agreement, which remains under negotiation. He said the two agreements together could create a vast common economic space linking India and Europe.

“Together, the FTA, the mother of all these initiatives and the Investment Protection Agreement would create a single economic space spanning India and Europe. Within this space, we could trade more freely, strengthen supply chains through trade and investment, make them more resilient and reduce strategic dependencies,” he said.

The latest diplomatic engagement reflects the growing momentum in India-EU relations, which increasingly encompass trade, investment, connectivity, economic security, clean energy, technology and defence cooperation.

With the EU remaining one of India’s largest economic partners, both sides are seeking to translate strategic convergence into stronger institutional and commercial ties through the FTA and related agreements.

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Marco Rubio Says India Visit Advanced US Economic And Strategic Priorities In Region

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said his visit to India helped advance United States economic and strategic priorities in the region, underscoring the growing importance of ties between New Delhi and Washington.

In a post on X after departing India, Rubio stated, "Just departed India having advanced our economic and strategic priorities in the region." He added that deeper economic engagement and cooperation in the energy sector would strengthen both countries.

"Continuing to build our economic partnership and energy security cooperation makes both our nations stronger," Rubio said, highlighting two key pillars of the expanding bilateral relationship.

Rubio concluded his India visit on 21 October after a series of engagements in Mumbai. The trip came at a time when both governments are working to further strengthen their strategic partnership, accelerate negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement and deepen collaboration across critical sectors.

During his visit, Rubio held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the broad spectrum of India-US relations. The talks focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries as well as progress in negotiations over the proposed trade agreement, which is expected to enhance commercial ties and expand economic opportunities for both sides.

Rubio also paid floral tributes to the victims of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed the lives of six American citizens. The gesture reflected the shared commitment of India and the United States to counter-terrorism cooperation and regional security.

Energy cooperation featured prominently during the visit. Discussions covered energy trade, India's imports of Russian petroleum and possible avenues for increasing purchases of American energy resources. Energy security has become an increasingly important element of the broader bilateral relationship as both nations seek reliable and diversified supply chains.

The visit also drew attention to potential investment plans by Reliance Industries in a new petroleum processing facility in the United States. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor had earlier highlighted the prospective project as part of wider efforts aimed at boosting domestic energy production and creating employment opportunities.

Rubio's visit reinforced the momentum in India-US ties, with both nations continuing to expand cooperation in trade, energy security, investment and strategic affairs amid a rapidly evolving regional and global landscape.

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India-Poland Strategic Partnership Set For Further Expansion As EAM Jaishankar Meets Donald Tusk

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in New Delhi and welcomed his views on strengthening India-Poland cooperation across a broad range of sectors. Following the meeting, Jaishankar said he appreciated Tusk's thoughts on “deepening India-Poland cooperation across a wide range of domains”.

He also expressed optimism about Tusk's discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “Look forward to his meeting with PM Narendra Modi to advance our Strategic Partnership.”

Tusk is on a two-day official visit to India from 21-23 October at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He is accompanied by Poland's Minister of Finance and Economy, Andrzej Domanski, along with a high-level business delegation. The visit is aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, technology, space, defence and other strategic sectors while giving fresh momentum to bilateral relations.

As part of his programme, the Polish Prime Minister is scheduled to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat through a wreath-laying ceremony. He will also hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Modi to review bilateral ties and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

In addition, Tusk will participate in the India-Poland Business Forum in New Delhi before travelling to Bangalore, where he is expected to engage with leaders from the information technology and space industries.

The visit follows a significant upgrade in bilateral relations after India and Poland elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Poland in August 2024. Tusk's current trip marks the first visit by a Polish Prime Minister to India since 2010, underlining the growing importance both countries attach to the relationship.

Former Polish Ambassador to India Adam Burakowski described the visit as strongly focused on economic cooperation. He noted that both countries are working towards raising annual bilateral trade from approximately $6 billion to $10 billion.

“This visit is mainly on business, and the big focus on business there will be one economic forum in Delhi and another one in Bangalore. And there will be many MoUs signed between Polish and Indian companies,” Burakowski said.

He added that cooperation in space and defence would feature prominently in discussions and characterised the visit as an opportunity to significantly broaden economic engagement between the two nations.

Burakowski also highlighted the importance of the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, saying, “The India-EU free trade agreement is a key instrument to achieve this goal because it's the biggest FTA that the European Union has signed with anybody and vice versa.” He noted that the agreement could substantially enhance economic cooperation and trade flows.

Reflecting on emerging areas of collaboration, he said, “What are we discussing right now is about trade, the defence sector and space technology. Recently, there was a mission that included two astronauts, one from Poland and the other from India. We can say that this is the start of a new era.”

Michał Matlak, Director of the ŁUKASIEWICZ-ITECH Institute of Innovation and Technology, said the visit comes at a pivotal moment following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. “In 2024, Prime Minister Modi was in Poland, and he upgraded the Polish-Indian relationship to a strategic one. And now the Prime Minister is here to even strengthen and to give some kind of meaning to this partnership,” he said.

Matlak emphasised the growing opportunities for collaboration between Polish institutions and India's innovation ecosystem, including the Indian Institutes of Technology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Indian Start-Ups.

“This will give us lots of opportunities,” he said, pointing to the potential for deeper research, technology and innovation partnerships.

He also highlighted India's participation in the European Union's Horizon research program as an avenue through which Indian and European researchers could pursue joint projects and gain greater access to research funding and collaborative opportunities.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Tusk's visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to the India-Poland Strategic Partnership and deepen the longstanding political, economic, technological and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

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Trump Tariffs, Visa Curbs Not Aimed At India, Says Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to ease Indian concerns over the Trump administration’s tariff policies and tighter visa measures during his visit to India, stressing that neither initiative is intended to punish India or single it out.

Speaking during his second visit to India in less than five months, Rubio emphasised that the India-US relationship remains a major priority for Washington despite differences over trade and energy policy.

He expressed confidence that the long-negotiated India-US trade agreement is nearing completion, stating that the two sides are "weeks, not months" away from finalising the deal. According to Rubio, around 99 per cent of the work has been completed, with only a handful of technical issues still being resolved.

Rubio acknowledged that Washington’s legislation allowing tariffs of up to 100 per cent on buyers of Russian energy has created concern in New Delhi. However, he insisted the policy is linked to broader US efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict rather than a desire to harm India.

Referring to President Donald Trump’s recent decision to grant waivers instead of imposing the tariffs, Rubio said the administration recognised the potential damage such measures could cause to one of America’s most important strategic partnerships. He noted that the decision attracted criticism within the United States, but was taken partly to protect ties with India.

Addressing concerns over tougher US immigration policies and visa restrictions, Rubio rejected suggestions that Indians were being disproportionately targeted. He said the measures form part of a global effort to overhaul an immigration system that had suffered from years of inadequate enforcement.

Rubio argued that complaints about visa procedures are common across the world and maintained that the reforms are intended to create a more sustainable system that will ultimately benefit both applicants and the United States.

His visit to India, held from 20 to 21 October at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focused on advancing cooperation across trade, defence, technology and energy security. Both governments reviewed progress across the strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the proposed bilateral trade agreement at the earliest opportunity.

The discussions also come against the backdrop of expanding India-US cooperation through the Quad, growing collaboration in critical technologies, and efforts by both countries to deepen energy and commercial ties while managing differences over Russian oil imports and trade policies.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Urges India To Expand US Energy And Defence Purchases As Trade Pact Nears Completion

The United States and India have moved to strengthen cooperation in energy and defence despite ongoing strains in their relationship over trade and immigration policies.

During his second visit to India in less than five months, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties.

Ahead of the meeting, Rubio described India as a crude oil refining "superpower" and encouraged greater processing of Venezuelan crude by Indian refiners. He is also set to visit Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery.

Commenting on the proposed India-US trade agreement, Rubio said: "I would say we're about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement. I think there's a small number of items left to wrap up. So I think that will happen shortly -- we're hoping, which it should -- and hopefully have some good news to announce fairly soon. And perhaps the leaders can sign it thereafter."

Following the talks, Jaishankar said he and Rubio had "shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties."

The discussions also covered regional and global developments, including West Asia, and the role of energy security in strengthening the strategic partnership.

Rubio stressed the importance of increasing energy trade between the two countries and argued that stronger cooperation could help diversify India's supply chains and meet its growing energy demand. He also praised recent progress in bilateral defence and civil nuclear cooperation and advocated increased Indian purchases of American technologies and systems.

"In Mumbai, Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar and I discussed energy security and defence cooperation while reaffirming the importance of advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership," Rubio said.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the discussions as productive, focusing on defence, energy, emerging technologies and trade. Addressing concerns about India's purchases of Russian oil, Rubio acknowledged New Delhi's efforts to diversify its energy sources.

"I think what India has expressed repeatedly is its desire to diversify their energy portfolio, which is a smart thing to do. Obviously, it's not easy to do that from one day to the next day," he said.

"I think they've made substantial progress in that regard, and we're happy to see that. But in the end, it's not just about Russian oil; it's about their desire to diversify, and obviously we think we can be a source of some of their energy inputs."

Referring to alternative suppliers, Rubio added: "Obviously, we've discussed Venezuela and other countries, and I think it's in our interest to have a strong ally with a diverse energy portfolio."

Praising India's refining capability, he said: "India is a refining superpower. They have the ability to do that and they have companies that know how to do that."

Rubio noted that some Indian companies already possess oil concessions in Venezuela and suggested they could help strengthen global energy supplies.

"I'm not claiming to you that Venezuela alone can fill the hole that could be caused by some of the things that are happening around the world, but I think over time, it most certainly can, and in the short term, it can certainly provide the means," he said.

"So, that's one of the things we'll talk about. With India, we've talked about it in the past, and they sound ready. They're ready to do it; they're willing to do it," he noted.

Explaining his visit to Jamnagar, Rubio emphasised the strategic importance of energy.

"Energy is related to national security. Countries fight wars over energy; economies collapse over lack of energy. We're going to go see a company that has a tremendous amount of refining capability. It makes all the sense in the world to talk to them about it," he said.

He also pointed to disruptions caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, which have contributed to supply challenges and diesel shortages in several markets.

During the visit, Rubio and Jaishankar paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

"We must continue our strong partnership in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar said.

Rubio stated: "At the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, I laid a wreath honoring the victims of the horrific November 26, 2008 terrorist attacks, including six American citizens."

"We remember those lost, honour the courage of those who responded, and reaffirm the enduring US-India partnership and our shared commitment to combating terrorism," he added.

Despite the positive engagement, challenges remain in the relationship. Bilateral ties have faced pressure from US tariffs on Indian goods, President Donald Trump's claims regarding the de-escalation of the India-Pakistan military confrontation in May 2025, higher H1B visa fees, tougher immigration measures and restrictions affecting a key green-card processing program used by major technology firms, including Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro.

Nevertheless, the Mumbai discussions underscored both countries' determination to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, technology, defence and strategic security as negotiations on a landmark trade agreement approach their final stages.

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'US Ties With Pakistan Can Help Discourage What India Fears' Marco Rubio Says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended Washington’s continued engagement with Pakistan, arguing that maintaining diplomatic relations with Islamabad can help the United States influence and discourage activities that concern India.

Speaking to Network18, Rubio reaffirmed that the United States opposes terrorism worldwide and rejects support for terrorist groups by any state or organisation. He stressed that Washington remains firmly against terrorism wherever it occurs.

At the same time, Rubio said that maintaining a working relationship with Pakistan could serve a constructive purpose. According to him, direct communication with Islamabad may place the United States in a position to help discourage actions that generate security concerns for India.

Addressing questions about his previous stance as a US senator, during which he supported measures aimed at restricting American assistance to Pakistan over allegations of state-backed terrorism targeting India, Rubio noted that his responsibilities have changed since becoming Secretary of State. He said his current position requires him to manage the broader foreign policy interests of the United States.

Rubio explained that American diplomacy often requires engagement with countries with which Washington has significant policy differences. He said that sustaining such relationships remains a necessary part of conducting international affairs and advancing US strategic interests.

Highlighting Pakistan’s importance, Rubio pointed to the country’s nuclear weapons capability and its geographical location. He argued that these factors make continued interaction essential for the United States, regardless of existing disagreements between the two countries.

Drawing a comparison with India’s own diplomatic approach, Rubio observed that New Delhi maintains contacts and engages with countries despite policy differences. He cited India’s interactions with Iran as an example of how major nations preserve channels of communication even when interests do not fully align.

Rubio acknowledged that balancing strategic engagement with policy disagreements is often complex. Nevertheless, he maintained that such relationships form an important component of US foreign policy and are necessary for addressing security, regional stability and broader geopolitical considerations.

His remarks reflect Washington’s longstanding approach of maintaining engagement with both India and Pakistan while seeking to advance regional stability, counter-terrorism objectives and strategic interests across South Asia.

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Trump Says India-US Trade Very Close To Completion Amid Intensified Talks

The United States and India are reportedly close to concluding a trade agreement, with US President Donald Trump stating that both nations are "pretty close" to finalising a deal. He indicated that the proposed arrangement would differ significantly from previous agreements negotiated by Washington.

Trump's remarks came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio continued his visit to India, where he held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Strengthening bilateral relations remained a central theme of the talks, with trade featuring prominently on the agenda.

The comments suggest growing momentum in negotiations between the two countries, which have been working to expand economic cooperation while addressing long-standing trade concerns. Both sides have sought to deepen commercial ties as strategic relations continue to strengthen.

Earlier this month, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Milwaukee and Washington to discuss the remaining details of the proposed agreement. The meetings focused on refining key elements of the pact as negotiators worked towards a mutually acceptable framework.

India and the United States had announced in February that they had finalised a framework for the first phase of their Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The initiative was designed to provide a structured pathway for broader economic engagement between the two countries.

However, subsequent changes in the United States' tariff environment prompted additional discussions and negotiations. These developments required both sides to revisit certain aspects of the agreement before moving towards finalisation.

The prospective deal is expected to play an important role in enhancing trade flows between the world's largest and fifth-largest economies. If concluded, it could mark a significant step forward in the evolving India-US economic partnership while laying the groundwork for deeper commercial cooperation in the future.

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Zero Tolerance On Terrorism Expected From Partners, Says Jaishankar As Rubio Pays Tribute At 26/11 Memorial

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Mumbai and his tribute at the Taj Hotel’s 26/11 Memorial, stating that India remains firm in its right to defend itself against terrorism and expects its international partners to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.

He also welcomed the US administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, describing him as one of the key perpetrators linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Speaking at the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, organised to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, Jaishankar said the gesture at the memorial was appreciated not only by Mumbai but by all of India. He stressed that combating terrorism remains a critical issue in India-US relations.

The minister observed that the international order is undergoing significant change, with countries increasingly focused on advancing their national interests. In such an environment, he said, expanding areas of convergence would be essential to strengthening bilateral ties and ensuring that cooperation continues to deepen.

Jaishankar highlighted growing opportunities across trade, investment, technology and energy. He said sustained dialogue and a clear identification of common objectives would help both nations develop a practical roadmap for future cooperation. He added that India and the United States also share responsibilities in promoting peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Reflecting on the broader trajectory of bilateral relations, Jaishankar noted that many Americans had supported India’s struggle for independence. He said that cooperation in infrastructure, education, food security, agriculture and technology had contributed significantly to India’s development, while Indian talent and skills had played an important role in shaping the technology sector in the United States.

He acknowledged that differences had existed over the years, including contrasting approaches to global issues. However, he said the partnership had expanded steadily over recent decades and acquired new dimensions. Initiatives such as the Quad, Mission 500, Pax Silica and the Forge Initiative were cited as examples of growing collaboration, alongside notable progress in energy, defence and civil aviation.

Jaishankar said Mumbai was a particularly appropriate venue for the celebrations due to its unique role in India’s engagement with the United States. Describing the city as India’s financial capital and a centre for cinema, education, research and technology, he noted that its entrepreneurial character is reflected in its ports, sporting traditions, cultural life, media landscape and music industry.

He further remarked that Mumbai serves as one of India’s key gateways to the world and remains deeply invested in strengthening ties with the United States. According to Jaishankar, the city’s relationship with America dates back to the historic ice trade and has since evolved into a major partnership centred on finance, commerce and technology.

The Freedom 250 event brought together senior Indian and American representatives, including Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, underscoring the growing breadth of India-US cooperation at a time of shifting global dynamics and shared strategic interests.

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'US Sets Sights On $500 Billion India Trade Milestone Within Three Years' Says US Envoy Sergio Gor

The United States has outlined an ambitious objective to more than double bilateral trade with India to over $500 billion within the next three years, up from the current record level of more than $240 billion.

Speaking at the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said President Donald Trump had given him a clear mandate to deliver tangible outcomes and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Gor said discussions between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reaffirmed that commitment, adding that both sides were firmly focused on expanding trade beyond the current record-breaking level to exceed $500 billion within three years.

He highlighted that future growth would be driven by strategically important sectors including semiconductors, critical minerals, energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and superintelligence, reflecting the evolving nature of the economic partnership.

Describing the relationship as one that continues to accelerate, Gor said US-India cooperation stretches from critical undersea data infrastructure and industrial production to scientific research and commercial space exploration. He characterised the partnership as being built on strong foundations while expanding into emerging technologies and frontier industries.

Reflecting on the broader historical relationship during the Freedom 250 event, Gor said the achievements of the past 250 years had been remarkable and expressed confidence that the next 250 years would deliver even greater progress.

Emphasising Mumbai's significance to the bilateral relationship, he noted that more than 500 major American companies operate in the city. These include technology firms such as Google, Meta and IBM, consumer groups including Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Abbott and Merck, and financial institutions such as Citi, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase.

Gor also pointed out that American institutional investors represent the single largest source of foreign institutional capital in Indian equities traded on Mumbai's exchanges. He described this investment presence as a major endorsement of India's long-term economic prospects and growth trajectory.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the strategic alignment between India and the United States as extraordinary, while acknowledging that differences would remain on some issues. He said the two countries share fundamental interests capable of shaping global geopolitics, economics, trade and commerce for decades.

Rubio argued that the combined demographic and economic weight of India and the United States gives them a unique opportunity to influence the course of the 21st century. He added that closer collaboration on key issues could play a defining role in writing the next chapter of global history.

The Secretary of State also stated that Washington should engage more frequently with India, which he identified as one of America's most important geopolitical partners.

The push for deeper economic integration follows the framework announced in February for an interim trade agreement between the two countries. The proposed arrangement aims to improve market access, lower trade barriers and support sectors such as textiles, leather, engineering goods and pharmaceuticals through selected tariff concessions once concluded.

Official trade figures show that India's merchandise exports to the United States reached $87.31 billion in FY 2025-26, while imports from the US totalled $53.45 billion. The planned trade agreement is expected to provide greater certainty for businesses and exporters in both countries, although the final provisions and implementation schedule have yet to be confirmed.

The announcement comes amid rapidly expanding cooperation in supply chains, high-technology manufacturing, clean energy, semiconductor ecosystems and strategic industries, areas that both governments view as central to achieving their long-term trade and investment ambitions.

ANI

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India Thanks Rubio For Pak Terrorist Rana Extradition, Calls For Global Anti-Terror Resolve

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked the United States administration for extraditing Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks. He said India expects all its partners to maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.

Speaking at the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, Jaishankar welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's tribute at the 26/11 memorial at the Taj Hotel. He described the gesture as a significant acknowledgement of the victims of the attacks and the continuing need to combat terrorism.

Jaishankar stressed that India reserves the right to defend itself against terrorism and remains firm in its commitment to ensuring accountability for those involved in terrorist activities.

He said that India and the United States should broaden areas of convergence as the global order continues to evolve. According to Jaishankar, closer cooperation is increasingly important in addressing emerging geopolitical and economic challenges.

The minister identified trade, investment, technology and energy as key sectors with substantial potential for deeper bilateral collaboration. He noted that both countries also share a strong interest in maintaining peace, security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

Jaishankar said that sustained engagement and a clear identification of common interests would help further strengthen the India-US strategic partnership. He added that expanding practical cooperation across multiple sectors would benefit both nations as they navigate a changing international landscape.

His remarks underscored the growing alignment between India and the United States on counter-terrorism, economic cooperation and regional security, while reaffirming India's expectation that its international partners remain unequivocal in their opposition to terrorism.

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Marco Rubio Seeks Expanded Reliance Role In Venezuelan Oil Refining And Production

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signalled that Washington wants Reliance Industries to play a larger role in Venezuela's oil sector, including refining greater volumes of Venezuelan crude at its Indian facilities and potentially expanding involvement in oil production projects.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Rubio said he intends to discuss the proposal directly with Reliance. He noted that the company has previously processed Venezuelan crude and possesses the capability to handle heavy grades of oil, positioning it well to increase refining activity as additional Venezuelan supplies enter the market.

Rubio also suggested that Indian companies already hold existing oil concessions in Venezuela, creating opportunities for increased production if commercial and operational conditions permit. He indicated that discussions with Reliance would explore what opportunities exist and what factors may be limiting further involvement.

The US Secretary of State described India as a "refining superpower", stressing that refining capacity is as strategically important as oil production itself. He highlighted Reliance's substantial processing capabilities and its importance within global energy markets.

Rubio arrived in Mumbai shortly after US President Donald Trump waived potential sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil, including India. The decision is widely viewed as supporting efforts to advance a broader trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington while helping maintain stability in global energy supplies.

During his visit, Rubio is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and leading Indian business figures, including Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. He is also expected to visit the Jamnagar refining complex in Gujarat, regarded as the world's largest refining hub and a key asset in India's energy infrastructure.

The discussions form part of a wider push to deepen US-India energy cooperation, diversify crude supply chains and expand engagement with Western Hemisphere energy producers.

However, the Trump administration's decision to ease pressure on buyers of Russian oil has attracted criticism from some US lawmakers, who argue that Washington has adopted an overly lenient approach towards Moscow.

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EAM Jaishankar Holds Trilateral Talks With US And UAE Counterparts On Energy and Connectivity

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a trilateral meeting in Mumbai with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as the three leaders reviewed key regional and global developments.

The discussions focused on energy, connectivity and broader contemporary issues, with Jaishankar describing the engagement as a useful exchange of perspectives between the three countries.

Rubio said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss regional energy security and advance shared economic priorities, underlining the growing importance of cooperation among India, the United States and the UAE.

The talks also highlighted opportunities to deepen collaboration in energy, trade, technology and regional connectivity, areas that have emerged as important pillars of the three nations' partnership.

According to statements issued after the meeting, the leaders exchanged views on strengthening economic cooperation and enhancing coordination on issues of mutual interest amid evolving regional and global challenges.

Jaishankar also held separate talks with Rubio on advancing India-US relations. Their discussions covered trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties, while also addressing regional developments.

The trilateral engagement reflects the increasing strategic convergence between India, the United States and the UAE, with a growing emphasis on energy security, economic integration, connectivity initiatives, technology cooperation and sustainable development.

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