Mumbai: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday (October 20, 2026), met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, with the two sides discussing energy security, defence cooperation and ways to strengthen bilateral ties as they aim to finalise a trade deal.
Mr. Rubio is on a two-day visit to India, during which he is slated to meet government and business leaders.
‘Further Advancement of Our Ties’
“Pleased to meet US @SecRubio in Mumbai today. We shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties. Also exchanged views on regional developments,” Mr. Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Mr. Rubio said the two sides “discussed energy security and defense cooperation while reaffirming the importance of advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership.”
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the discussions as “productive,” saying they covered “deepening U.S.-India cooperation across defense, energy, emerging technologies, and trade, as we continue to build the unrivaled momentum in our bilateral partnership.”
Trilateral Meeting With UAE
There was also a joint meeting of Mr. Jaishankar, Mr. Rubio and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also in India for bilateral discussions.
Gateway of India Visit and 250th Anniversary Events
After landing in Mumbai, Mr. Rubio and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, visited the Gateway of India with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Mr. Rubio and Mr. Jaishankar are scheduled to attend celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence. This is the second time Mr. Jaishankar will be the guest of honour at U.S. Embassy events for the anniversary, after attending a celebration in New Delhi in May.
Jamnagar Visit on Wednesday
On Wednesday (October 21, 2026), Mr. Rubio will depart from Mumbai for Jamnagar to see the Reliance energy refinery and the Vantara animal facility, hosted by the Ambani family — a visit officials termed a “private visit.”
