India & United States to boost defence, energy ties, Marco Rubio says trade deal close

Rubio’s second visit to India comes against the backdrop of the US’s Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which is intended to penalise countries purchasing Russian oil, and Trump’s subsequent temporary suspension of related tariffs. India maintains that its oil procurement is essential not only for its own energy security but also for the stability of global markets. Rubio lauded the “substantial progress” made by India in diversifying its energy portfolio.