Key facts
- President Donald Trump is expected to visit India early next year.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio is working to arrange the visit.
- The U.S. and India are nearing the conclusion of a bilateral trade deal.
- Rubio plans to visit India this year to prepare for Trump's trip.
- Recent tensions between the U.S. and India include tariffs, Russian oil purchases, and naval actions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is working to arrange a visit for President Donald Trump to India early next year, coinciding with ongoing efforts to finalize a bilateral trade deal between the two nations. Rubio indicated his own travel to India this year to lay the groundwork for the presidential trip.
Rubio's remarks to Indian media outlet IANS highlighted the diplomatic push, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump had a positive conversation during a recent G7 summit. India has been actively seeking a visit from Trump, with discussions including potential participation from Japan and Australia.
The relationship between the U.S. and India has faced challenges over the past year, stemming from U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, India's procurement of Russian oil, and closer U.S. engagement with Pakistan, a rival of India. A recent visit by Rubio aimed to repair ties, but the accidental killing of three Indian sailors by the U.S. Navy in the Gulf has further strained relations.