Marco Rubio India visit highlights: Rubio emphasizes India-US partnership on ‘superintelligence’ at Mumbai event

Marco Rubio called Mumbai the "financial lifeblood" of India in a X post after an event at the Jio World Convention Center Tuesday.

"Mumbai, in particular, is the financial heart and soul of the country. It's where so many of the companies that are investing in and with the United States, and with whom we want to do more trade, are located. It's the financial lifeblood of the country," Rubio wrote, sharing a clip from an interview with an Indian broadcaster where he talks about the city.

Speaking at an event celebrating American independence in Mumbai, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US and India are aligned on Artificial Intelligence, which the Donald Trump administration calls "superintelligence."

"We are aligned, and we want to see a world in which superintelligence is used for the betterment of man, and one in which the harms it could cause are mitigated," Rubio said.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: India and the United States have welcomed the progress made in negotiations on the bilateral trade agreement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday following talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: India and the US sought to expand energy and defence cooperation on Tuesday, even as differences over trade and immigration continued to strain bilateral ties, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging New Delhi to boost energy trade and purchases of American technologies and systems.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted Rubio for wide-ranging talks shortly after the US Secretary of State arrived in Mumbai for his second visit to India in less than five months.

Ahead of his meeting with Jaishankar, Rubio said the India-US trade deal was close to finalisation. He also described India as a crude oil refining “superpower” and called for the country to process more Venezuelan crude. Rubio is scheduled to visit Reliance Industries Ltd-owned Jamnagar Refinery on Wednesday.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday thanked visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for laying a wreath at the Taj Hotel's 26/11 Memorial in Mumbai, reiterating India's right to defend itself against terrorism and calling on international partners to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards the threat.

Speaking at the Freedom 250 reception hosted in Mumbai to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, Jaishankar also welcomed the US administration's decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

“Secretary Rubio, all of Mumbai, and indeed all of India, appreciate your laying a wreath today at the Taj Hotel's 26/11 Memorial. India also welcomes this administration's decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was one of the key culprits. We are clear on our right to defend ourselves against terrorism and expect our partners to show zero tolerance towards terrorism as well,” said EAM Jaishankar.

The event was attended by Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

Jaishankar said the global order was undergoing a transition, requiring countries to adapt to changing circumstances while pursuing their national interests. He emphasised that expanding areas of convergence would be key to strengthening India-US ties.

“As we mark this anniversary together, it is natural to reflect on the way ahead. The world order is clearly in transition, and countries are responding accordingly. Each one of us will naturally pursue our national interests. In such an era, expanding our convergence is key to deepening our ties,” he added.

The External Affairs Minister also highlighted emerging opportunities in bilateral trade, investment, technology and energy, stating that sustained communication and the identification of shared objectives would help establish a clear roadmap for cooperation.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for laying a wreath at the 26/11 memorial at Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and called for a policy of "zero tolerance" towards terrorism.

Speaking at the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, Jaishankar also welcomed the US administration's decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

"Secretary Rubio, all of Mumbai, and indeed all of India, appreciate your laying a wreath today at the Taj Hotel's 26/11 Memorial. India also welcomes this administration's decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was one of the key culprits," Jaishankar said.

"We are clear on our right to defend ourselves against terrorism and expect our partners to show zero tolerance toward terrorism as well," he added.

Reflecting on India-US ties, Jaishankar said the world order was undergoing a transition and countries were responding by pursuing their national interests. He stressed that expanding areas of convergence was key to deepening bilateral relations.

"There are new opportunities in our partnership in trade, investment, technology, and energy, and these await us. We have a shared stake in strengthening peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Engaging regularly and identifying common interests will certainly help provide a pathway..." he said.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: India and the US on Tuesday discussed expanding energy and defence cooperation amid ongoing strains in bilateral ties, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging New Delhi to boost energy trade and increase purchases of American technologies and systems.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted Rubio for wide-ranging talks shortly after the US top diplomat arrived in Mumbai for his second visit to India in less than five months. The discussions took place against the backdrop of strained bilateral relations over Washington's unpredictable trade policies and tighter immigration rules.

Ahead of the meeting, Rubio described India as a crude oil refining "superpower" and advocated for the country to process more Venezuelan crude. He is scheduled to visit Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refinery on Wednesday.

Responding to a question on the proposed India-US trade pact, Rubio said "a small number of items" remained to be resolved and expressed hope that the agreement would be finalised "shortly".

"I would say we're about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement. I think there's a small number of items left to wrap up. So I think that will happen shortly -- we're hoping, which it should -- and hopefully have some good news to announce fairly soon. And perhaps the leaders can sign it thereafter," he said.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the strategic alignment between India and the United States as “extraordinary”, saying the two countries have an opportunity to shape the course of the 21st century through their partnership.

Speaking at the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, Rubio said Washington and New Delhi may not always agree on every issue, but their shared core interests could shape geopolitics, economics, trade and commerce for decades to come.

“No two nations on Earth will ever be perfectly aligned on every issue, and there will be times and points of disagreement,” Rubio said.

“But on the core issues that matter, the core issues that define the national interests of both India and the United States, the alignment between our countries is extraordinary,” he added.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said the United States and India, through their partnership, could help shape the course of the 21st century, highlighting shared values such as individual dignity, democratic principles and the rule of law.

Speaking at the ‘Freedom 250 Reception’ in Mumbai, Rubio said the decisions being made today on geopolitics, economics, trade and commerce would have a lasting impact on future generations.

“We are here to celebrate what we can achieve together over the next 250 years,” he said.

“What I'm excited about, and what I challenge our team at the Department of State to be excited about, as well as our team at the consulate here in Mumbai, is the fact that today you are assigned to and working in a place where the United States, in partnership with another powerful, influential, and advanced country, is helping to write the story of the 21st century,” Rubio said.

He added that the partnership should uphold the values shared by both countries, including “the dignity of the individual, democratic principles, the rule of law”.

Rubio said public officials should work towards leaving future generations better off than their predecessors.

“Our job, for those who serve in public office, is to leave the next generation better off than ourselves,” he said.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: External partners must show “zero tolerance” towards terrorism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said while addressing the American Independence Day celebration in Mumbai.

Jaishankar's remarks came amid India's continued emphasis on the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Tuesday said the US and India are aiming to increase bilateral trade to over $500 billion in the next three years, highlighting opportunities for cooperation across sectors including semiconductors, critical minerals, energy, defence and superintelligence.

Speaking at the ‘Freedom 250 Reception’ in Mumbai, Gor said US President Donald Trump had given him a direct mandate to deliver results during his tenure in India.

“When President Donald Trump sent me to India, he gave me a direct mandate: deliver results. Don't just talk about the future. Make it happen,” Gor said.

He added that Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties during their recent discussions.

“Today, our bilateral trade has shattered records, reaching over $240 billion. We have an ambitious goal. We are laser-focused on driving that number past $500 billion in the next three years,” he said.

Gor also outlined the potential for collaboration across emerging and strategic sectors, including semiconductors, critical minerals, energy, defence and superintelligence.

Describing the trajectory of the partnership, he said US-India ties extended from critical data infrastructure and industrial facilities to research hubs and commercial space exploration.

“That is the trajectory of our alliance, rooted deep in fundamentals, accelerating upward at record speed, and heading straight for the stars,” he said.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: Sunil Kudyadi, who was present at Hotel Taj during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, briefed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday at the wreath-laying ceremony.

Kudyadi is the Associate Vice President, Security and Safety, and the head of security at Hotel Taj in Mumbai, as reported by news agency ANI.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: External affairs minister S Jaishankar, in a post on X, said, "Joined US @SecRubio in laying a wreath at the 26/11 memorial at Hotel Taj, Mumbai today."

He added, “We must continue our strong partnership in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday described India as a “refining superpower” and said the American delegation would discuss oil production in Venezuela with Reliance during his three-day visit to India.

Speaking to the media in Mumbai, Rubio highlighted India's capacity to refine heavy crude oil and its potential role in meeting global energy demand as Venezuelan oil production increases.

“India is a refining superpower. They have the capability to refine heavy crude. They've done so in the past, and I think as more and more Venezuelan oil comes online, it's something they can do,” Rubio said.

He also pointed out that Indian companies already hold oil concessions in Venezuela, which could enable them to increase production.

“They also, by the way, have pre-existing oil concessions in Venezuela that can produce more themselves,” he told reporters.

Rubio said increased Venezuelan oil production could help address global energy supply concerns, while acknowledging that it would not be enough on its own to offset potential disruptions elsewhere.

“I'm not claiming to you that Venezuela alone can fill the hole that could be caused by some of the things that are happening around the world, but I think over time, it most certainly can, and in the short term, it can certainly help,” he said.

The US Secretary of State added that discussions with India on the issue would include potential obstacles related to sanctions.

“So, that's one of the things we'll talk about. With India, we've talked about it in the past, and they sound ready. They're willing to do it. There might be a few impediments that stand in the way in terms of sanctions and so forth that we'll have to work through,” Rubio said.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid a wreath at the 26/11 memorial at Mumbai's Taj Hotel on Tuesday, paying tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people, including six American nationals.

Rubio said the gesture reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and the United States to combating terrorism.

"At the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, I laid a wreath honouring the victims of the horrific November 26, 2008, terrorist attacks, including six American citizens. We remember those lost, honour the courage of those who responded, and reaffirm the enduring US-India partnership and our shared commitment to combating terrorism," Rubio posted on X.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday, with the two discussing regional and global issues, including developments in the Middle East, according to the US State Department.

Rubio emphasised that increased energy trade with the United States could help diversify India's supply chains while meeting its substantial consumer demand.

He also welcomed recent progress in India-US defence and civil nuclear cooperation and called for greater purchases of US technologies and systems, saying they could enhance the security and prosperity of both countries.

The statement was issued by the Office of the Spokesperson of the US Department of State.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India on Tuesday, where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis briefed him on the monument’s historical and cultural significance.

Rubio, who is on a three-day visit to India, toured the premises with Fadnavis, who felicitated the US dignitary with a traditional shawl. According to an official release, the visit offered an opportunity to showcase Mumbai’s historical heritage and cultural identity.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said he had a “great” meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss regional energy security and shared economic priorities.

“It was great to meet with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar and UAE Foreign Minister @ABZayed to discuss regional energy security and advance our shared economic priorities,” Rubio wrote on X.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Tuesday backed the idea of talks between the United States, Russia and China on arms control, saying dialogue among the three major nuclear powers would be beneficial for global peace.

Speaking in Mumbai, Rubio said US President Donald Trump had expressed openness to discussions at the leaders’ level.

He said communication was essential to diplomacy, even between countries with strong disagreements, but added that he was unsure whether China was willing to participate. Rubio said Beijing had historically maintained that it would discuss arms control only after catching up with other nuclear powers.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the India-US trade agreement is close to being finalised, with only a few issues remaining to be resolved.

Speaking during his visit to Mumbai on Tuesday, Rubio said the deal could be concluded soon and expressed optimism about an announcement in the near future.

“I would say we're about as close as you can be without having executed the agreement. I think there's a small number of items left to wrap up, so I think that will happen shortly,” he said.

Rubio added that the US was hoping to announce positive developments soon and sign the agreement thereafter.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India has made “substantial progress” in diversifying its energy sources, adding that the US is willing to supply some of India's energy requirements.

Speaking about India's purchases of Russian oil, Rubio said New Delhi had repeatedly expressed its desire to diversify its energy portfolio, describing it as a “smart thing to do”.

“I think what India has expressed repeatedly is its desire to diversify its energy portfolio, which is a smart thing to do. It's not easy to do that from one day to the next. I think they've made some substantial progress in that regard, and we're happy to see that. But in the end, it's not just about Russian oil; it's about India's desire to diversify, and we think we can be a source of some of its energy inputs. We've discussed Venezuela and other countries, and I think it's in our interest to have strong allies with diverse energy portfolios,” he said.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Tuesday. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were also present at the meeting.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US secretary of state Marco Rubio said India has made “substantial progress” in diversifying its oil purchases.

(AFP)

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it could be accurate that a batch of interceptors purchased for Ukraine under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme has not been delivered.

Marco Rubio India visit LIVE: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the US will hold discussions with India's Reliance Industries on refining more Venezuelan crude oil.

The US will also discuss the possibility of Reliance producing oil in Venezuela, Rubio told reporters at the start of his visit to India.