Rubio says India and US are aligned on key issues

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India on a three-day trip, speaking at a business event in Mumbai on October 20.

He said India and the US are aligned on key issues that could shape the 21st century, though he noted that disagreements between countries are inevitable.

He pointed to cooperation on emerging technologies and a free and secure Indo-Pacific, including open international shipping routes.

The visit comes amid tensions over US trade policies, immigration restrictions and Washington’s engagement with Pakistan.

Rubio defended ties with Pakistan, saying the US needs a relationship with the nuclear-armed country and that engagement could help discourage actions that concern India.

He is due to visit a refinery in Jamnagar for talks on bilateral ties, energy cooperation and commercial investment.

The visit brought no immediate change to tariffs or market access, and Rubio said he plans to return to India in three months.