Rubio says India-US trade deal is weeks away, rules out tariffs targeting India
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the India-US trade deal could be finalised within weeks, adding that American tariffs and visa restrictions were not specifically targeting India.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Rubio said around 99% of the work on the bilateral trade agreement had been completed. The remaining issues concerned the precise wording of the deal.
“I think we’re incredibly close. The way I would say it is, we are weeks, not months, away from I think finalising it. I think 99% of the work is done,” he said.
Rubio said tariffs linked to India's purchase of Russian oil could strain bilateral ties. However, he said the measures were part of Washington's broader foreign policy approach to the Russia-Ukraine war.
“None of these tariffs are meant to punish or harm India,” he said.
On visa restrictions, Rubio said the US was working to reform its immigration system and denied that the measures were directed at India.
During his Mumbai visit, Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss trade, energy security, defence and technology. The two also held a trilateral meeting with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss regional energy security, connectivity and economic priorities.
Rubio also called for greater energy cooperation, including the use of India's refining capacity to process Venezuelan heavy crude. His planned visit to Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery is expected to focus on opportunities to diversify energy supplies.
Addressing concerns over Washington's ties with Pakistan, Rubio said the relationship would not undermine its partnership with India. He also rejected claims that the Trump administration was soft on China, saying Washington sought strategic stability to avoid a damaging trade war.
Rubio welcomed India's diplomatic efforts to help resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict and said New Delhi's involvement could play a positive role in bringing the parties together.