Rubio Hails India’s Shift Away from Russian Oil, Says US-India Trade Deal Is “Very Close”

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has praised India’s progress in diversifying its energy supplies, including reducing its dependence on Russian oil, as Washington and New Delhi seek to overcome persistent trade tensions and strengthen bilateral economic ties. Speaking during a visit to Mumbai on Tuesday, Rubio said India had made “substantial progress” in diversifying its energy portfolio, describing the move as a sensible strategy despite the challenges involved in changing established energy supply arrangements. “What India has expressed repeatedly is their desire to diversify their energy portfolio, which is a smart thing to do,” Rubio said. “Obviously, it’s not easy to do that from one day to the next, so I think they’ve made substantial progress in that regard, and we’re happy to see that.” Rubio’s remarks underscore Washington’s continued efforts to encourage India to broaden its energy partnerships at a time when New Delhi remains a major importer of Russian crude oil. Energy trade has become a significant point of contention between the two countries amid US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures and broader disagreements over bilateral trade. The US secretary of state said Washington was prepared to play a greater role in meeting India’s energy requirements. “Obviously, we think we could be a source of some of their energy inputs,” he said. Rubio is scheduled to visit Jamnagar in Gujarat, home to Reliance Industries’ flagship refining complex, widely recognized as the world’s largest refining facility at a single location. Praising India’s industrial capacity, he described the country as “a refining superpower.” Trade negotiations featured prominently during Rubio’s visit, as both sides continue efforts to finalize an agreement aimed at easing economic friction and expanding commercial cooperation. “We’re very, very close; I would say we’re about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement. I think there’s a small number of items left to wrap up,” Rubio said, expressing hope that an announcement could be made soon, followed by a formal signing by the two countries’ leaders. He had made similar remarks earlier in Samarkand, describing Washington and New Delhi as being close to an agreement. However, a breakthrough during his current visit appeared uncertain. The two countries reached an interim trade understanding in February intended to reduce US tariffs on Indian goods. Subsequent legal developments in the United States, including the Supreme Court’s decision striking down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, introduced further uncertainty over the agreement’s implementation and the future framework of bilateral trade. Negotiations have continued amid disagreements over market access, tariffs and the pace of economic concessions. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said earlier this month that the talks had reached “a plateau,” indicating that further progress could prove difficult. Washington Balances Sanctions and Energy Realities Addressing temporary US sanctions waivers relating to Russian oil, Rubio acknowledged the need to balance Washington’s policy objectives with the practical energy requirements of other countries.  He said the United States had to consider several factors, including its bilateral relationships and the realistic capacity of countries to secure alternative energy supplies.  “You also can’t unravel the economy of other countries because of one central issue,” Rubio said, signaling that energy diversification remained a complex process requiring consideration of wider economic consequences.  India’s reliance on Russian crude has emerged as a sensitive issue in US-India relations, particularly as Washington seeks to exert pressure on Moscow while encouraging partners to diversify their sources of energy.  Regional Security and Energy Cooperation Beyond trade and energy, Rubio’s visit forms part of a broader Asian diplomatic tour. Before arriving in Mumbai, he visited Uzbekistan, where he advocated stronger partnerships with Central Asian countries. In India, he held talks with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and met business leaders.  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not scheduled to meet Rubio during the visit. The US secretary of state was also due to lay a wreath in remembrance of the victims of the November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, in which 166 people were killed. Rubio had previously visited New Delhi and Kolkata in May, when he also toured the Taj Mahal and met Modi.  Meanwhile, Jaishankar met UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai on Tuesday, hiting the importance of regional stability and uninterrupted energy supplies.  “The situation in the Gulf remains a matter of deep concern,” Jaishankar said in remarks broadcast before the meeting. He reiterated India’s support for the “free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertilizer,” underscoring the strategic importance of secure supply routes for India and the wider region. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had spoken with Rubio about Ukraine’s access to US military satellite systems and delays in the delivery of missile interceptors. Zelensky said he had stressed the need to restore Starlink and Star shield services and secure ballistic missile interceptors to protect lives. Rubio’s visit highlights the interconnected challenges facing US diplomacy, as Washington seeks to reshape energy partnerships, conclude a long-delayed trade agreement with India and address pressing security concerns across multiple regions.