US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commenced a four-day visit to India on Saturday, focusing on bolstering strategic partnerships and enhancing collaboration across various sectors including trade, defense, energy, and technology. His itinerary includes bilateral discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The visit aligns with the scheduled Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among foreign ministers from India, the United States, Japan, and Australia.

Central to the discussions will be security in the Indo-Pacific region, defense collaboration, and advancements in critical technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, particularly amid concerns about China’s expanding influence in the area. The dialogue is also expected to address the resilience of supply chains, a growing focus for both nations.

Trade negotiations will likely take center stage following tensions stemming from former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies on Indian goods. The two countries are anticipated to explore avenues to enhance economic ties and alleviate trade disputes. Additionally, energy security will be a focal point, with the US aiming to increase its crude oil and LNG exports to India, while talks continue regarding India’s acquisition of discounted Russian oil.

Defense cooperation remains a significant aspect of the discussions, as India utilizes several US-manufactured defense systems, such as the Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft, MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, M777 howitzers, and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The talks are also expected to cover joint production and collaboration in advanced defense and space technologies.

Throughout his visit, Rubio will travel to several cities including Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. In Kolkata, he plans to visit the Missionaries of Charity headquarters, an organization founded by Mother Teresa.