Marco Rubio Calls US-India Ties A “Top Relationship” Amid Trade Tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the US-India relationship as one of Washington's "top relationships" globally during a Senate confirmation hearing for Sergio Gor, the nominee for US Ambassador to India. Rubio's comments come amid ongoing trade frictions, including President Donald Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian imports due to New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil, which the US claims indirectly supports Russia's war in Ukraine.

Introducing Gor before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio emphasised India's pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific region, stating that the 21st century's geopolitical narrative will unfold there. He highlighted the renaming of the US Indo-Pacific Command as a sign of its strategic importance and noted that India is "at the core" of this dynamic. Rubio also pointed to a "period of extraordinary transition" in bilateral ties, with key issues involving Ukraine and regional stability requiring collaboration.

The trade tensions escalated after Trump accused India of fuelling Russia's offensive through oil imports, despite India not being the largest buyer. Negotiations between the two nations, stalled since the tariffs were enacted, are expected to resume next week. Rubio's remarks signal a potential thaw, underscoring the need to address these challenges while strengthening partnerships in areas like defence, technology, and countering China's influence in the region.

Also Read: Netanyahu Confirms No Palestinian State, Pushes Controversial West Bank Expansion

Rubio praised Gore for his close ties to President Trump, describing him as "very, very close to the President" and well-positioned to advance US interests. Gor, currently Director of Presidential Personnel, was nominated last month as Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. In his testimony, Gor affirmed his commitment to bolstering the strategic partnership under Trump's leadership.

Also Read: FBI Releases Surveillance Images In Charlie Kirk Utah Shooting Case