US nears India trade deal; considers energy concerns in Russia sanctions

The US State Department is preparing for high-level diplomatic engagement with India as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares to travel to the country on Tuesday for talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai.

Rubio's visit comes as the two countries work toward finalizing a trade agreement. Officials from Washington have indicated negotiations are at an advanced stage, though specifics of the proposed deal remain undisclosed. The bilateral trade relationship has gained prominence as both nations seek to strengthen economic ties amid broader geopolitical shifts in the region.

In comments addressing India's strategic position, Rubio acknowledged the country's energy security challenges, signalling the US is prepared to weigh New Delhi's energy needs when formulating its approach to sanctions against Russia. India has maintained a careful diplomatic balance regarding Moscow, citing energy security and existing supply contracts as key considerations in its foreign policy decisions.

The Mumbai meeting is expected to cover multiple dimensions of the US-India relationship, including trade, defence cooperation, and regional security concerns. Officials have not disclosed a detailed agenda, though the talks are anticipated to advance mutual strategic interests across several sectors.