Mumbai: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that India and the US are very close to finalizing the proposed trade agreement. He expressed hope that an announcement regarding the agreement could be made soon, followed by signing.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Rubio said, “We are very close to finalizing the agreement. I would say we are as close as we can get before signing the agreement.”
He further said that only a few issues remain to be agreed upon before finalizing the agreement. Rubio expressed hope that these issues will be resolved soon and both countries will be able to announce it soon.
US State Department also plays an important role in trade talks
Rubio clarified that the US State Department does not directly negotiate trade agreements, but it remains closely involved in the process.
He said, “Both my counterpart and the National Security Advisor are very serious about this agreement.”
Earlier this month, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that India expects the first phase of the trade agreement to be finalized soon. Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal stated that India seeks preferential access for its products to the US market and greater tariff stability under the proposed agreement.
Discussion on Energy Security and Defense Cooperation with Jaishankar
Marco Rubio discussed energy security and defense cooperation during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai. He also emphasized the importance of advancing the India-US strategic partnership.
Sharing information on the social media platform X after the meeting, Rubio wrote, “In Mumbai, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and I discussed energy security and defense cooperation. We reaffirmed the importance of advancing the India-US strategic partnership.”
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also posted about the meeting on X. He said that Rubio and Jaishankar had a productive discussion on deepening India-US cooperation in the areas of defense, energy, emerging technologies, and trade. They also noted the growing momentum in bilateral relations between the two countries.
Rubio arrives in India for the second time this year
Marco Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for his second visit to India. He paid floral tribute at the 26/11 memorial located at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel before meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The two leaders subsequently met at the same hotel.
Rubio’s statement regarding the proposed trade agreement between India and the US comes at a time when both countries are moving towards completing the first phase of the agreement soon.
Clarify the agreement’s current status. Tighten repeated trade details.