MUMBAI (Web Desk) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that India had made “substantial progress” in diversifying its energy supplies, including reducing its reliance on Russian oil, as Washington seeks closer economic and strategic ties with New Delhi.
Speaking during a visit to Mumbai, Rubio said India’s efforts to broaden its energy sources were a sensible approach, although changing established supply arrangements would take time.
“What India has expressed repeatedly is their desire to diversify their energy portfolio, which is a smart thing to do,” Rubio said.
“Obviously, it’s not easy to do that from one day to the next, so I think they’ve made substantial progress in that regard, and we’re happy to see that.”
India is a major importer of Russian crude oil, making its energy purchasing decisions an important issue in relations with Washington. US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have added to tensions between the two countries.
Rubio said the United States could also help meet some of India’s energy requirements.
“Obviously, we think we could be a source of some of their energy inputs,” he said.
Trade deal remains a priority
Rubio’s visit comes as the United States and India continue negotiations on a trade agreement aimed at easing economic tensions and strengthening commercial ties.
The US secretary of state said the two sides were close to finalising an agreement, with only a limited number of issues remaining unresolved.
“We’re very, very close; I would say we’re about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement,” Rubio said, adding that he hoped an announcement could be made soon, potentially followed by a signing by the two countries’ leaders.
However, a breakthrough during his current visit appeared unlikely.
The two countries reached an interim trade understanding in February, intended to reduce US tariffs on Indian goods. Subsequent legal and policy developments surrounding the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs created uncertainty over implementation, while negotiations continued.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said this month that the discussions had reached a plateau, with further concessions becoming increasingly difficult.
Visit includes major energy hub
Rubio is scheduled to visit Jamnagar in Gujarat, home to Reliance Industries’ flagship refinery, operated by the conglomerate led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
The facility is widely recognised as the world’s largest refining complex, highlighting India’s importance in global oil processing and energy markets.
“India is a refining superpower,” Rubio said.
The US diplomat also held talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Mumbai. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not scheduled to meet Rubio during the visit.
Rubio’s trip is part of a wider Asian tour that also included Uzbekistan, where he called for stronger partnerships with Central Asian countries.
He is also due to pay tribute to victims of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people.
Russian oil sanctions remain a sensitive issue
Asked about temporary US sanctions waivers relating to Russian oil, Rubio said Washington had to balance several considerations, including its relationships with other countries and their practical ability to secure alternative energy supplies.
“You also can’t unravel the economy of other countries because of one central issue,” he said.
The remarks underscored the challenges facing Washington as it seeks to influence countries’ purchases of Russian energy without triggering wider economic disruption.
For India, diversifying supplies involves balancing commercial considerations, energy security and diplomatic relations with major international partners.
India raises concerns over Gulf security
Jaishankar also met his United Arab Emirates counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Mumbai on Tuesday to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations.
The UAE remains an important supplier of energy to India, including liquefied natural gas.
“The situation in the Gulf remains a matter of deep concern,” Jaishankar said before the meeting.
He reiterated India’s support for the “free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertiliser”, highlighting the importance of secure shipping routes and stable supplies for the Indian economy.
Rubio speaks with Zelensky
Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that he had spoken with Rubio about military support for Ukraine, including issues involving US satellite systems used by Kyiv and delays in missile deliveries.
Zelensky said he had raised the need to restore Starlink and Starshield services and stressed the importance of ballistic missile interceptors to protect lives.
The discussions came as Rubio continued his diplomatic engagements across Asia, with Washington balancing energy, trade and security priorities across several regions.