Key facts
- Jamnagar refinery can process about 1.4 million barrels of crude oil daily.
- US seeks to ease fuel prices ahead of November midterm elections.
- Tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy supplies.
- India has been a major buyer of Russian oil since 2022.
- US previously imposed tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India, focusing on energy cooperation and commercial investment, with a significant stop at Reliance's Jamnagar refinery. The visit aimed to leverage India's refining capacity to potentially ease pressure on global fuel markets, particularly for the US ahead of midterm elections and amid Middle East tensions. Rubio expressed interest in India processing more Venezuelan and American oil, and discussed a proposed Texas refinery project. The visit also sought to address trade relations, which have been strained by tariffs and India's purchases of Russian oil.