Rubio arrives in India ahead of Quad talks as U.S. tries to reset strained ties

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India for a four-day trip ahead of a Quad ministerial meeting next week with counterparts from India, Australia, and Japan. The visit aims to stabilize relations with New Delhi after ties soured over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies that raised duties on several Indian exports. Rubio will travel across multiple cities, including Kolkata, Agra, and Jaipur, and will attend a New Delhi gala reception marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. He will visit the Missionaries of Charity headquarters founded by Mother Teresa and will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. He will also participate in Quad discussions that address China’s military posture and maritime claims in the South China Sea.

"Rubio's first official trip to India comes as Washington seeks to stabilize relations with New Delhi after ties soured over President Donald Trump's tariff policies, which raised duties on several Indian exports. Much of Rubio's four-day visit, however, will focus on a multi-city tour, along with a gala reception in New Delhi marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence."

"“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,” Rubio said ahead of his visit to India. Rubio arrived in eastern city of Kolkata early Saturday where he is later scheduled to visit Mother House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa."

"Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador in India, in a social media post said Rubio will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi later Saturday in New Delhi. “Trade, Technology, Defense, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!” he said. He is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Sunday."

"On Tuesday in New Delhi, Rubio will participate in the ministerial meeting of the Quad that has repeatedly accused China of flexing its military muscles in the South China Sea and aggressively pushing its maritime territorial claims. Beijing maintains that its military is purely defensive to protect what it says are its sovereign rights and calls the Quad an attempt to contain its economic growth and influence."

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