New Delhi, May 22: The U.S. Embassy announced on Friday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to India underscores the significance of the Quad partnership.
The embassy stated, “United for a free and open Indo-Pacific. From regional security to diversifying critical mineral supply chains, Marco Rubio’s visit to India reflects the importance of the Quad partnership.”
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Quad consists of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Its goal is to collaborate for global welfare and ensure a free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
India will host the Quad Foreign Ministers‘ meeting in New Delhi on May 26. At the invitation of the Indian Foreign Minister, Rubio will join Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for the meeting.
Before his visit to India, Rubio expressed that the U.S. aims to expand energy relations with New Delhi and strengthen coordination through the Quad. He referred to India as a “great ally” and “great partner.”
Speaking to reporters in Miami, Rubio mentioned that amid tensions in the Middle East and a global energy supply crisis linked to the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. is prepared to export more energy to India.
He stated, “We are willing to sell India as much energy as it needs. The U.S. is currently producing and exporting energy at historic levels, and we want to increase that.”
Rubio noted that discussions regarding energy cooperation with India have already been underway and will continue during his upcoming visit.
He emphasized India’s role as a key strategic partner for the U.S., saying, “There are many areas to work with India. We collaborate very well with them. This visit is extremely important, and several critical issues will be discussed.”
Rubio also highlighted the significance of the Quad, noting that his first official meeting as Secretary of State was with Quad partners. He remarked that the upcoming meeting in India will be crucial, with another meeting planned for later this year.
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