US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in New Delhi after a symbolic Kolkata visit that included prayers at Mother Teresa’s tomb ahead of key India-US and QUAD talks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in New Delhi along with his wife Jeanette D Rubio during his four-day India visit ahead of key QUAD and bilateral talks. | ANI
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in New Delhi on Saturday evening after beginning his India visit with a brief but symbolically significant stop in Kolkata, including a visit to the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa.
During his visit to the national capital, Rubio is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in the dedication ceremony of the US Embassy Support Annex Building.
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Rubio’s India trip comes at a crucial moment in India-US ties, with both countries preparing for high-level discussions on trade, technology, defence, energy and Indo-Pacific security ahead of the QUAD foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on May 26.
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Before departing Kolkata, Rubio briefly interacted with airport staff and officials and posed for photographs, according to people present at the airport. He was accompanied by his wife Jeanette D Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel is also part of the travelling delegation.
In the air to Delhi! pic.twitter.com/R2KnqpUh1N
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026
During his stay in Kolkata, Rubio visited the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, where he spent time at the tomb of Mother Teresa.
Sister Concettina, Secretary General of the Missionaries of Charity, described the interaction as warm and personal.
“It was his initiative to come to the Mother House, and it was a joy for us to welcome him because he wanted to receive blessings at Mother’s tomb. We prayed together, and that is about all. Nothing else really happened… It was just like a family get-together,” she said.
Joined @SecRubio in Kolkata for a visit to the Missionaries of Charity. Moments like these remind us the U.S.-India partnership rests not only on strong policies, but also on shared values and the spirit of selfless service that transcends borders. pic.twitter.com/dBBrEvmvnP
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026
US Ambassador Sergio Gor later posted on X that Robert Gabriel had joined Rubio during the India visit.
“Travelling with Secretary Rubio is our dear friend Robert Gabriel! Glad to welcome him back to India!” Gor wrote.
Traveling with @SecRubio is our dear friend Robert Gabriel! Glad to welcome him back to India! pic.twitter.com/3wwvTWlyS7
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026
Rubio arrived in Kolkata earlier in the day, marking the first visit by a top American diplomat to the city in 14 years.
The visit forms part of a four-day India tour covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. Rubio is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Indian leaders in Delhi later on Saturday.
Announcing Rubio’s arrival earlier, Ambassador Gor said discussions during the visit would focus on trade, technology, defence cooperation and the QUAD framework.
“Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defence, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!” Gor posted on X.
Honored to welcome my friend @SecRubio to India! We have an ambitious agenda ahead, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, focused on advancing @POTUS‘ vision for an even stronger U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress… pic.twitter.com/NpCQRVeUIm
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026
The visit assumes significance amid deepening strategic ties between India and the United States and increasing geopolitical churn across the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.
Ahead of his India visit, Rubio had indicated Washington’s willingness to significantly expand energy cooperation with India.
Speaking to reporters in Miami earlier this week, Rubio said the US was prepared to supply “as much energy” as India was willing to purchase, as Washington seeks deeper integration into India’s energy ecosystem.
The remarks came amid concerns over volatile global fuel prices and instability around key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
India is also set to host the foreign ministers of QUAD nations – India, the United States, Australia and Japan – in New Delhi on May 26 under the chairmanship of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
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