Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for a visit focused on expanding American energy exports to India and advancing a nearly complete bilateral trade agreement.

Rubio met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss energy security, defense cooperation, and regional issues. The two leaders also joined a trilateral session with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on shared energy priorities.

Rubio emphasized India's progress in diversifying its energy sources away from Russian crude oil. He noted that New Delhi has made substantial strides despite the challenges of shifting supplies quickly and said the United States stands ready to provide additional energy inputs.

The visit comes as India grapples with high global fuel prices and supply disruptions linked to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Rubio described India as a refining superpower capable of processing heavy crude, including potential increases in Venezuelan oil, and highlighted the country's existing concessions in that nation.

Ahead of a planned trip to the Reliance Industries refinery in Jamnagar on Wednesday, Rubio praised the facility's capacity to handle large volumes of crude and support global diesel markets. The administration recently waived potential tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases, removing a key point of friction.

Officials on both sides indicated the US-India trade deal is close to finalization, with only a small number of issues remaining. Rubio said the agreement could be executed shortly, boosting trade in energy, defense technology, and other sectors.

The three-day itinerary also includes meetings with business leaders to promote investment opportunities. Rubio's second visit to India this year underscores the strategic importance both nations place on energy security and economic ties.