From the “incredibly close” US-India trade deal to his rapport with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State, spoke about a range of things in his exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi.
A look at the key takeaways:
Turning point after a rough patch: Rubio said his rapport with Jaishankar “allowed us to navigate some delicate and sensitive things over the last year and a half,” and spoke of “extraordinary opportunities” in “moving forward on the relationship”.
Trade deal within reach: Said the deal is “incredibly close” and expected “in a matter of weeks, not months,” with only technical wording left. After months of tariff tension, this was the strongest signal
yet that a breakthrough is near.
Reassuring words on anti-India hate: Rejected the idea that anti-Indian sentiment in the US is “widespread or deep,” condemned the perpetrators bluntly, and said leaders must never excuse such hate or “look the other way.”
Quad back on track: Confirmed a leaders’ summit before year-end, the first since September 2024, and said it will deliver “concrete deliverables, not simply a nice social gathering.” He stressed that his first act as Secretary of State was a Quad meeting.
#MarcoRubioOnNews18 | Secretary Rubio, What brings you to Reliance’s Jamnagar facility?
Reliance is a very important company. It has extraordinary capacity to refine energy. Petroleum is useless if you don’t refine it into usable product. Reliance’s refining capacity could help India diversify energy supplies, including crude from the Western Hemisphere, while benefiting US energy interests: @SecRubio, US Secretary of State
#EXCLUSIVE #MarcoRubio #IndiaUSRelations #IndiaUSTradeDeal #Russia #Ukraine #QUAD @StateDept @USAndIndia | @18RahulJoshi
— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 20, 2026
India a priority partner: Said the US “actually (doesn’t) come enough” given how important the relationship is. He pointed to back-to-back visits, his own, the Attorney General’s, the Commerce Secretary’s and a congressional delegation, and said he expects to return.
Understanding on Russian oil: Didn’t lecture India. He admitted sanctions hurt others besides Russia, noted that Trump held off on the new tariffs despite criticism at home, and said “I understand the tension exists.”
Respect for India’s own interests: Accepted that India will “defend and fight for what’s good for (us).” He framed the US–India bond as friends and allies who “have so much in common” and can bridge their differences.
Personal bond with Jaishankar: Called him “Jay,” described “a great relationship,” and said they’ve met at least a dozen times and “always make a point to meet”.
New energy partnership: Offered Western Hemisphere oil, including Venezuelan crude, to help India diversify its energy supply, and praised Reliance for investing in US refining capacity. He framed this as good for both countries.
Empathy for Indian sailors: Acknowledged that “many Indian sailors” have died in Iranian attacks on shipping, placing India’s losses at the centre of the US case against Iran. He also stressed that the US defends shipping “every single night.”
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