Marco Rubio to commence three-day visit to India; trade deal, talks with Jaishankar on agenda

NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Mumbai on Tuesday for an official visit to India, carrying momentum from fresh diplomatic discussions in Central Asia and signalling that a long-awaited US-India trade agreement is on the verge of finalisation.

During his visit, which includes a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and a trip to Gujarat’s energy hub in Jamnagar, Rubio will address key aspects of the strategic partnership, regional stability, and energy security.

According to the official schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Secretary Rubio will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on the afternoon of Tuesday at 14:15 hrs.

Shortly after his arrival, Secretary Rubio will pay tribute to victims of terror during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Taj Memorial inside the historic Hotel Taj Mahal Palace at 15:40 hrs.

Following the ceremony, the US Secretary of State will hold crucial bilateral discussions with EAM Jaishankar at the same venue starting at 15:50 hrs. The dialogue is expected to cover key aspects of the India–US strategic partnership, economic cooperation, and regional stability.

Later in the evening, Secretary Rubio is scheduled to attend the “Freedom 250 Reception” at the Jio World Convention Centre at 18:35 hrs, celebrating key milestones in US history and bilateral diplomatic ties. Media access for the reception is being facilitated through the US Embassy and Consulate.

On Wednesday, October 21, Secretary Rubio will complete the Mumbai leg of his visit and emplane for Jamnagar, Gujarat, departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 10:30 hrs to continue his engagements.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that official media coverage and photo opportunities will be regulated per standard diplomatic protocol across the various venues.

Earlier on Monday, Rubio indicated that the US-India trade deal is close to finalisation. Rubio, who is in Uzbekistan, will be in Mumbai on Tuesday, where he will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Rubio will also travel to Jamnagar, home to one of the world’s largest refineries, later in the week.