US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a two-day visit to India on Wednesday, focusing on energy cooperation, trade, defence and technology. His decision to visit Mumbai and Reliance Industries’ refinery complex in Jamnagar, instead of New Delhi, highlighted the Trump administration’s growing interest in India’s energy sector, particularly its potential role in processing Venezuelan crude oil.
The visit came as India and the United States moved closer to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement. Rubio’s meetings with Indian officials and leading business executives also reflected Washington’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with New Delhi.
Meetings with Indian Leaders and Business Executives
Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday and began his visit by paying tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which also claimed the lives of six American citizens.
He subsequently met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for discussions on trade, energy, defence, technology and people-to-people relations.
On Wednesday, Rubio met Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani before travelling to Jamnagar. There, he toured Reliance Industries’ refinery complex with chairman Mukesh Ambani. According to Reliance, the visit included discussions around its refinery operations, upcoming new-energy giga-factories and data centres.
Venezuelan Crude Emerges as a Key Priority
Rubio’s visit to Jamnagar drew particular attention as Washington seeks to expand the market for Venezuelan oil. The Trump administration has increased its involvement in Venezuela’s energy sector following the US military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro in January, according to the report.
With Venezuela heavily dependent on oil exports, the United States has been seeking buyers for its crude. Reliance Industries could play a significant role because its Jamnagar facility operates one of the world’s largest refinery complexes.
India has increased its Venezuelan crude imports in recent months, with much of the oil reportedly going to Reliance. According to analytics firm Kpler, Reliance accounted for an estimated 76% of India’s Venezuelan crude imports in September.
Rubio indicated that Venezuela’s energy sector would feature in his discussions with Reliance. He also described India as a “refining superpower”, highlighting the country’s importance in global oil processing.
Rubio Addresses Anti-Indian Sentiment and Russian Oil Purchases
During the visit, Rubio addressed concerns about rising anti-Indian sentiment in the United States, attributing it to ignorance and hatred among small sections of American society. He also emphasised that senior political leaders should refrain from encouraging such attitudes.
India’s continued purchases of Russian crude oil also featured in discussions. Rubio said that the importance of maintaining strong relations with India was among the factors behind US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to waive tariffs targeting countries purchasing Russian energy.
Rubio acknowledged that India would find it difficult to reduce its dependence on Russian crude in a short period, indicating that Washington recognises the challenges involved in changing India’s energy supply arrangements.
India-US Trade Deal Nears Completion
Rubio expressed optimism about the proposed India-US trade agreement, stating that the two countries were “very, very close” to reaching a deal, with only a few details remaining to be resolved.
His visit underscored the importance of energy cooperation in the broader bilateral relationship. With discussions spanning Venezuelan crude, Russian oil purchases and trade negotiations, the meetings highlighted India’s strategic importance to Washington as both countries seek to strengthen economic ties and resolve outstanding trade issues.
