Donald Trump Eyes India Visit Next Year; Rubio Says Bond With PM Narendra Modi Is Stronger Than Ever

Washington: US President Donald Trump may visit India early next year. Giving this information, US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio said that preparations have started for this tour between the two countries. He expressed hope that by the end of the year he would personally come to India to finalize the preparations related to President Trump's visit. Describing India-US relations as "very strong", Rubio said the personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump is giving new strength to the partnership between the two countries.

Will President Trump come to India next year?

While talking to the media in Washington DC, Marco Rubio said that the US administration is trying to get President Trump to visit India early next year. If this visit is decided, this will be Trump's first visit to India in his second term after becoming president. Earlier he had come to India in February 2020. Recently, Trump and Prime Minister Modi also met during the G-7 summit held in France.

What did Rubio say about India-US relations?

Rubio said that India is a very close partner of America and the strong personal relations between the leaders of the two countries are giving a new direction to diplomacy. He said that the strategic, economic and security relations between the two countries are benefiting from the better coordination between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. According to him, cooperation between the two countries is continuously expanding to new areas.

Is the trade agreement also in the final stages?

The US Secretary of State claimed that the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and America has almost reached the final stage. He said that both sides are negotiating rapidly and now only a few formalities are left to finalize the agreement. He believes that this agreement will give new impetus to trade and investment for both the countries.

What was discussed on Quad and energy cooperation?

Rubio said that preparations are also going on for the next meeting of Quad, the group of India, America, Japan and Australia. He expressed hope that he will come to India by the end of this year and along with these meetings will also review the preparations for the proposed visit of President Trump. Referring to energy cooperation, he said that both the countries are working together to increase oil and energy supplies. He also appreciated India's ability to refine heavy crude oil.

Why is PM Modi's leadership ability praised?

Marco Rubio openly praised the leadership abilities of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that under the leadership of Modi, India has greatly strengthened its position at the global level and today it is counted among the major powers of the world. Describing himself as a fan of Prime Minister Modi, Rubio said that India's growing global role is important for America as well.

What could be the significance of this visit?

Experts believe that if President Trump's visit to India is decided, it will not be limited to bilateral relations only. There can be new agreements and announcements between the two countries on many important issues like trade, defence, technology, energy, Indo-Pacific strategy and Quad cooperation. In such a situation, this visit can prove to give a new direction to India-America strategic partnership.