Ahead of his India visit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signalled stronger energy cooperation with New Delhi and called India a key strategic partner.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants deeper energy cooperation and stronger Quad coordination with India ahead of his visit. | Image Courtesy: X/@marcorubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday described India as a “great ally” and “great partner” ahead of his upcoming visit, while signalling that Washington wants to deepen energy cooperation with New Delhi amid growing concerns over global supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.
Rubio’s remarks come at a time when global energy markets remain on edge over instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil and gas shipping route. The visit is also expected to reinforce strategic coordination between Quad nations amid shifting geopolitical equations in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.
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Speaking to reporters before departing for India, with a stop in Europe, Rubio said the United States was prepared to significantly expand energy exports to India.
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“We wanna sell them as much energy as they’ll buy,” Rubio said when asked about India being affected by the global energy supply situation following tensions in West Asia and concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.
“Obviously, you’ve seen, I think we’re at historic levels of US production and US export. We wanna be able to do more,” he added.
Rubio said discussions between Washington and New Delhi on energy cooperation were already ongoing and would continue during his visit.
“We were already in talks with them to do more. We want next week as well. So there’s opportunities,” he said.
The US Secretary of State also underlined the broader strategic importance of ties with India.
“There’s a lot to work on with India. They’re a great ally, a great partner. We do a lot of good work with them,” Rubio said.
“It is an important trip. I’m glad we’re able to do it because I think there’ll be a lot for us to talk about,” he added.
SECRETARY RUBIO on his INDIA TRIP: There’s a lot to work on with India, they’re a great ally and partner. We do a lot of good work with them so this is an important trip. pic.twitter.com/6NcHqmQ8mB
— Department of State (@StateDept) May 21, 2026
Rubio said the Quad grouping, comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia, would also be central to discussions during the visit.
“We’ll also meet with the Quad there, which is important,” he said.
Recalling his early days in office, Rubio said the Quad had figured prominently in his diplomatic engagements from the outset.
“I believe like I went, I got sworn in, I did the thing in the lobby, and then I went right upstairs and that was my first meeting,” he said.
“And I’m glad we were able to do it now in India. And we’re gonna do one later in the year as well.”
The visit comes as Washington seeks to strengthen strategic and economic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific while managing the fallout of escalating tensions in West Asia.
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