Marco Rubio Heads To India For 4-Day Visit, Meeting With PM Modi On Cards. What's On The Agenda?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in India on Saturday for a four-day visit aimed at reviving momentum in India-US ties after months of diplomatic strain. The trip marks Rubio’s first visit to India since assuming office as US Secretary of State.

Confirming his departure, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, wrote on X on Friday night, “Just got a call from Marco Rubio — he’s taking off for India right now! Excited for this important trip!”

Just got a call from @SecRubio — he’s taking off for India right now! Excited for this important trip!

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 22, 2026

Meetings With PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar On Agenda

Rubio is expected to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth in New Delhi on Saturday

afternoon. In remarks ahead of the trip, Rubio said, “There’s a lot to work on with India, they’re a great ally and partner. We do a lot of good work with them so this is an important trip.”

SECRETARY RUBIO on his INDIA TRIP: There’s a lot to work on with India, they’re a great ally and partner. We do a lot of good work with them so this is an important trip. pic.twitter.com/6NcHqmQ8mB

— Department of State (@StateDept) May 21, 2026

The top US diplomat is also scheduled to hold extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday, with key focus areas expected to include trade, energy cooperation, investment, emerging technologies and people-to-people ties.

Trade, Energy and West Asia Crisis In Focus

The two sides are also likely to deliberate on the ongoing tensions in West Asia and their impact on global energy supplies.

The visit comes at a critical juncture as the United States remains embroiled in tensions with Iran, raising concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz and volatility in international oil markets. At the same time, India and the US are attempting to finalise a broader trade understanding after a prolonged phase of friction.

Bilateral relations between the two countries had deteriorated after the US imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods and President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed credit for helping de-escalate last year’s India-Pakistan military tensions. India firmly rejected those assertions, maintaining that the ceasefire understanding resulted solely from direct talks between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Quad Meeting To Conclude Four-Day India Tour

Additional concerns over Washington’s immigration measures and increased H1B visa fees further strained ties. However, recent diplomatic outreach, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Washington, has sought to stabilise the relationship.

During his visit, Rubio will also travel to Kolkata, Agra and Jaipur. He will conclude the trip by attending the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26 before departing India.

Read Full Itinerary Here

Rubio will begin his trip with arriving in Kolkata on Saturday morning before travelling to New Delhi later in the day. During his stay in the national capital, Rubio is scheduled to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth. He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on May 24. He will also attend an Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy. On May 25, Rubio will travel to Agra and later proceed to Jaipur before returning to Delhi the following morning. On May 26, he will participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Hyderabad House, followed by press statements alongside fellow ministers, before departing from India later that day.