US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins India visit: What’s on his agenda?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Kolkata on Saturday, kicking off a four-day visit to India that is expected to focus heavily on trade, energy cooperation, defence ties, and strategic discussions under the Quad framework. The trip is notable as it marks the first visit by a US Secretary of State to Kolkata in 14 years, following Hillary Clinton’s visit in 2012.

Rubio’s visit is his first to India since assuming office as US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.

According to the US State Department, his Kolkata schedule includes a visit to the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity and a children’s home managed by the organisation founded by Mother Teresa.

Announcing his arrival, officials said Rubio is expected to engage with Indian leadership on a broad range of issues, including trade, technology, and defence cooperation.

During the visit, he is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

A major highlight of the trip will be the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26. The meeting will bring together representatives from India, the United States, Australia, and Japan for discussions on Indo-Pacific cooperation and other global developments.

Ahead of his India visit, Rubio described India as a key partner and underlined Washington’s interest in strengthening energy ties.

He had indicated that the US is keen to expand energy exports to India and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

The visit comes amid continuing diplomatic engagements between the two countries, including discussions around trade, critical minerals, defence partnerships and regional coordination.

Officials view the trip as another important step in further strengthening India-US strategic relations.