India and US 'very close' on trade deal, Rubio signals

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed optimism about prospects for a comprehensive India-US trade agreement during wide-ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday. Rubio characterised the two nations as being at an advanced stage in negotiations, suggesting that a deal framework is taking concrete shape.

The talks marked Rubio's second visit to India in less than five months, reflecting the elevated pace of bilateral diplomatic engagement. The back-to-back visits underscore Washington's prioritisation of strengthening economic and strategic ties with New Delhi as both nations navigate regional challenges and seek to deepen cooperation.

While specific details of the proposed trade agreement remain under negotiation, both sides have signalled commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial arrangement. The discussions covered broader aspects of bilateral relations beyond trade, including security cooperation and regional strategic concerns.

India and the United States have been working to resolve long-standing trade irritants while identifying new areas of commercial collaboration. A formalised trade deal would represent a significant milestone in their expanding economic partnership and further cement their strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.

Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) meets Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the State Department, Washington, February 2026. Freddie Everett, US Department of State, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).