Marco Rubio Discusses Energy Diversification and Trade Agreement During Mumbai Visit
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, focusing on energy supply, crude oil diversification, and the status of the long-delayed free trade agreement between India and the U.S.
Calling India a "refining superpower," Mr. Rubio confirmed that he discussed prospective Indian purchases of U.S. crude oil during his bilateral meeting with Mr. Jaishankar. He also outlined plans to explore sending additional Venezuelan crude oil to the Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Energy refinery in Jamnagar.
Energy Diversification and Venezuelan Oil Links
Addressing queries regarding India's energy sourcing, Mr. Rubio stated that he was pleased to see India make "substantial progress" in diversifying its crude oil imports away from Russian supplies, which have recently comprised between 45% and 50% of the country's total intake. In the previous month, crude oil imported from Russia, the U.S., and Venezuela collectively accounted for two-thirds of India's total oil imports.
Mr. Rubio is scheduled to visit Jamnagar for two days to inspect the Reliance Energy refinery and the Vantara animal facility. Speaking about the visit, he noted that Reliance has held a operational presence in Venezuela in the past and possesses substantial refining infrastructure. He stated that the visit aims to assess existing opportunities and determine factors affecting energy shipments from Venezuela.
Free Trade Agreement Negotiations and Bilateral Relations
Addressing broader bilateral economic relations, Mr. Rubio indicated that negotiations on the India-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) are nearing completion. He stated that the two nations are very close to finalizing the deal, with only a small number of unresolved items remaining under review by trade officials and the U.S. State Department.
The Secretary of State's visit takes place against a backdrop of recent strain in U.S.-India diplomatic ties, influenced by U.S. policy actions regarding H-1B visas, previously threatened sanctions concerning Indian imports of Russian oil, and prolonged FTA discussions. This trip marks Mr. Rubio's second official visit to India in five months, following his attendance at the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in New Delhi in May 2026. Official sources noted that his current itinerary focuses heavily on bilateral economic and trade affairs.
During their schedule in Mumbai, Mr. Rubio and Mr. Jaishankar visited the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to pay tributes to the victims of the 26/11 terror attacks. Accompanied by his wife and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mr. Rubio also visited the Gateway of India.
India-US-UAE Trilateral Meeting in Mumbai
In addition to bilateral talks, Mr. Jaishankar hosted a trilateral session in Mumbai involving Mr. Rubio and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed. Mr. Jaishankar held separate individual bilateral meetings with both foreign ministers before bringing all three parties together for joint discussions.
Mr. Jaishankar described the unannounced trilateral meeting as a useful exchange of perspectives covering energy, connectivity, and contemporary regional developments. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who accompanied Mr. Rubio, remarked that the U.S., India, and the UAE possess significant opportunities to expand cooperation in technology, trade, energy, and regional transport links.
The trilateral dialogue occurred amidst trade and energy export disruptions facing the UAE due to ongoing U.S. military engagement in Iran and Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The joint statement and readouts from the Mumbai meetings did not make explicit reference to previous regional frameworks, such as the I2U2 grouping formed in 2021 or the India-Middle East Economic Corridor announced in 2023.
