U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi on May 24, 2026, to discuss Middle East tensions, trade, visas, maritime security, and energy supplies. Rubio cited progress in resolving the Iran conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, and emphasized that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Jaishankar affirmed India's support for safe maritime passage and highlighted ongoing efforts to finalize a bilateral trade deal and address visa challenges for Indian workers.
The discussions come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and concerns over shipping lanes and energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inviting him to visit the White House soon. The two leaders discussed energy cooperation, with Rubio emphasizing the potential of U.S. energy products to diversify India's supply. Modi reiterated India's support for peace efforts and called for dialogue to resolve conflicts.
Rubio's visit follows a period of strained U.S.-India relations, exacerbated by U.S. tariffs on Indian exports and Washington's engagement with Pakistan and China. Despite these challenges, both sides reaffirmed the strategic importance of their partnership, rooted in shared democratic values and economic opportunities. Rubio's trip also included a Quad meeting with foreign ministers from Japan, Australia, and India, focusing on Indo-Pacific security and economic cooperation.