Mumbai, October 21, 2026 — India and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and reaching an early conclusion to their proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his two-day visit to India.
The talks in Mumbai on Tuesday covered key areas of cooperation, including trade, defence, technology and energy security, alongside regional and global developments. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides welcomed progress in trade negotiations and agreed on the importance of advancing the agreement.
Rubio, who is visiting India from October 20 to 21 at Jaishankar’s invitation, said the proposed trade deal was “incredibly close” and could be finalised within weeks rather than months. He indicated that negotiations had reached the stage of resolving technical details, stressing that both countries must agree on the precise language and terms before announcing a final agreement.
“I’m not personally negotiating it; it’s done through our trade representative, but I know, and I’ve been very involved in watching it happen, that it is something we anticipate seeing in a matter of weeks, not months,” Rubio told Network18.
He emphasised that a deal of such significance should not be announced until every detail has been settled, warning that a premature announcement could put unnecessary strain on a relationship of considerable strategic importance.
Rubio describes India-US alignment as “extraordinary”
Speaking at the US Freedom 250 Reception hosted by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in Mumbai, Rubio described the strategic alignment between the two countries as “extraordinary.”
While acknowledging that Washington and New Delhi would not agree on every issue, he said their shared interests could shape global developments in geopolitics, economics, trade and commerce for decades to come.
“No two nations on Earth will ever be perfectly aligned on every issue, and there will be times and points of disagreement,” Rubio said. “But on the core issues that matter, the core issues that define the national interests of both India and the United States, the alignment between our countries is extraordinary.”
Rubio also called for more frequent diplomatic engagement with India, describing it as one of Washington’s most important geopolitical partners. He argued that the scale of India’s population, its democratic framework and its strategic position make the country central to the unfolding history of the 21st century.
“The 21st century will be defined, for better and for worse, by what happens in this region,” he said, referring to the wider region’s influence on global affairs.
Rubio explained that Mumbai was a logical destination for his visit because of its position as India’s financial and commercial centre, with numerous companies investing in and trading with the United States.
He added that American officials, including the attorney general and commerce secretary, had also visited India, reflecting Washington’s interest in expanding engagement across multiple sectors.
Jaishankar stresses zero tolerance for terrorism
During the reception, Jaishankar thanked Rubio for paying tribute at the 26/11 memorial at Mumbai’s Taj Hotel, commemorating the victims of the 2008 terrorist attacks.
Jaishankar also welcomed the US administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, whom India has identified as a key figure linked to the attacks.
“India also welcomes this administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was one of the key culprits. We are clear on our right to defend ourselves against terrorism and expect our partners to show zero tolerance towards terrorism as well,” Jaishankar said.
The minister said the international order was undergoing a transition, requiring countries to pursue their national interests while identifying areas of common ground. He emphasised that closer cooperation in trade, investment, technology and energy could provide a practical roadmap for strengthening bilateral relations.
Jaishankar also highlighted the two countries’ shared responsibilities in promoting peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence, technology and energy cooperation in focus
Jaishankar pointed to the expanding scope of India-US cooperation, citing initiatives such as the Quad, Mission 500, Pax Silica and the Forge Initiative, alongside growing engagement in energy, defence and civil aviation.
He noted that the partnership had evolved significantly over the decades, encompassing infrastructure, education, agriculture and technology. Indian talent and skills, he added, had also contributed to the development of the US technology sector.
Rubio is also scheduled to travel to Jamnagar, Gujarat, for discussions that are expected to include enhanced energy cooperation, according to the US State Department.
Mumbai provides backdrop for closer engagement
Both ministers highlighted Mumbai’s importance as a centre of finance, commerce, technology and culture.
Jaishankar described the city as more than India’s financial capital, pointing to its role in research, entrepreneurship, media, music and the film industry. He said Mumbai’s international connections made it a fitting venue for commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The minister also referred to the historical commercial links between Mumbai and the United States, including the city’s earlier role in the ice trade, noting that the relationship now encompasses finance, technology and broader economic cooperation.
The visit underscores the two governments’ stated intention to sustain high-level engagement and advance the India-US COMPACT for the 21st century.
With trade negotiations reportedly nearing completion, the coming weeks could be significant for efforts to establish a bilateral trade framework. However, Rubio made clear that the agreement would be announced only after both sides had resolved the remaining technical issues and reached a common understanding of all its provisions. (ANI)
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