US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India in May 2026 as New Delhi and Washington work to revive trade talks and strengthen broader strategic ties.
India’s trade delegation is expected to visit the United States later this month as New Delhi awaits finalisation of the new US tariff structure before signing the trade agreement concluded between both sides. Dates for the proposed visit are under discussion.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor recently met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss advancing trade priorities in South and Central Asia, posting on X that “The United States and India have previously agreed to a trade deal, and we look forward to welcoming an Indian delegation to Washington later this month.”
On April 2, government sources indicated India will move ahead with signing the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States once it secures preferential access, noting the issue must be resolved by Washington; all countries are currently facing 10% tariffs.
Sources added India is in a relatively favourable position, having secured a better arrangement than competitors in Southeast Asia and neighbouring countries, and is seeking preferential market access to the US market. Both countries are looking to deepen their multidimensional relationship across sectors.
During an official US visit, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Rubio at the White House, where discussions covered the India-US bilateral relationship, trade, critical minerals, defence and the Quad.
US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also met Misri in Washington, where leaders reaffirmed the close partnership and discussed the situation in the Persian Gulf along with other global and regional priorities.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Misri and India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Kwatra launched the India-USA Trade Facilitation Portal, aimed at supporting Mission 500 — a target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Virtually addressing the portal’s launch, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called it a forward-looking initiative that will enable direct engagement between Indian exporters and US importers while creating greater opportunities to deepen bilateral trade ties.
India and the US are also exploring increased cooperation in the defence sector. The Indian Air Force posted on X about Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s official visit to Peterson Space Force Base in the US, stating he interacted with General Gregory M Guillot, Commander of US NORTHCOM/NORAD, for “a productive exchange of perspectives on complex operational modalities,” reflecting the strength of the growing partnership.
