Washington DC: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that President Donald Trump is expected to visit India in the early part of next year, signalling continued momentum in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Rubio also said he plans to travel to India before the end of this year to prepare for the President’s visit.

Speaking to IANS, Rubio described India as one of the United States’ closest partners and highlighted the strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. He said the relationship between the two leaders has played an important role in strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

The remarks come as India and the United States continue negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement while expanding collaboration in areas such as energy, supply chains, critical minerals, maritime security and technology.

Rubio optimistic about Trump’s India visit

Responding to a question about President Trump’s possible visit, Rubio said the US administration is working towards organising the visit early next year.

“We’re hoping that’s what we’re working towards — sometime early next year to have the President come,” Rubio said.

He added that India remains a close partner and ally of the United States, stressing that the relationship between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump “couldn’t be closer,” describing it as an important factor in diplomacy.

Rubio also confirmed that he intends to visit India before the President’s trip to make the necessary preparations and further advance bilateral discussions.

Strong momentum in India-US relations

Rubio said relations between New Delhi and Washington are currently in a very strong phase, citing the recent meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

“I think it’s going fantastic. I mean, it’s very strong,” Rubio said while referring to the meeting between the two leaders.

He noted that regular high-level engagements have helped strengthen cooperation across strategic, economic and geopolitical issues, reinforcing the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States.

The anticipated presidential visit is expected to build on these discussions and further deepen bilateral engagement.

Energy cooperation remains a major focus

Rubio emphasised that energy security remains one of the key areas where India and the United States have shared interests.

He said India has consistently sought to diversify its energy sources and that the United States is well-positioned to contribute to India’s growing energy requirements.

“I think obviously India’s been focused for a very long time on diversifying its sources of energy, and so I think that trend will continue and we certainly would love to be a part of that,” Rubio said.

He added that Washington has several solutions that could support India’s long-term energy strategy as both countries strengthen economic and strategic cooperation.

Shared interests beyond trade

According to Rubio, India and the United States share common interests across a wide range of sectors beyond trade and investment.

He identified economics, supply chains, critical minerals, energy security, maritime security and freedom of navigation as areas where both democracies are closely aligned.

Calling India and the United States two of the world’s leading democracies, Rubio said both nations have numerous opportunities to work together in addressing global challenges while promoting stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

He stressed that these shared priorities continue to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Rubio praises PM Modi’s leadership

Rubio also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying India has witnessed remarkable economic growth under his government.

He said the Prime Minister has played a significant role in positioning India as an increasingly influential global power with expanding economic and geopolitical importance.

His remarks reflect Washington’s continued emphasis on strengthening ties with India as both countries navigate evolving regional and global challenges together.

Bilateral ties expected to deepen further

The proposed visit by President Donald Trump is expected to provide another opportunity for India and the United States to enhance cooperation across trade, defence, technology, energy and regional security.

With negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement progressing and both countries seeking stronger economic engagement, the visit could mark another important milestone in the evolving India-US strategic partnership.

If the visit takes place as planned, it would reinforce the growing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington and further strengthen one of the world’s most significant bilateral relationships.