Marco Rubio begins India trip from Kolkata with focus on trade, defence, and Quad cooperation

IBNS-CMEDIA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday morning as part of his four-day visit to India, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office last year.

After concluding the Kolkata leg of his visit, Rubio is scheduled to travel to New Delhi later in the day, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The top US diplomat is also set to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday and will attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

According to the US Embassy, Rubio’s visit to India from May 23 to 26 will also include stops in Agra and Jaipur.

During his meetings with senior Indian officials, Rubio is expected to discuss key issues including energy security, trade, and defence cooperation, the embassy said.

Honored to welcome my friend @SecRubio to India! We have an ambitious agenda ahead, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, focused on advancing @POTUS' vision for an even stronger U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress… pic.twitter.com/NpCQRVeUIm
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026

Rubio was received at Kolkata airport by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

“Honored to welcome my friend @SecRubio to India! We have an ambitious agenda ahead, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, focused on advancing @POTUS’ vision for an even stronger U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress together!” Gor posted on X.

Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister @narendramodi in New Delhi. Trade, Technology, Defense, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days!
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026

Earlier, Gor had shared details of Rubio’s visit, writing: “Secretary Marco Rubio has landed in Kolkata. This is his first trip to India. Later today, we will call on Prime Minister @narendramodi in New Delhi. Trade, technology, defense, QUAD, and many other items to discuss and advance over the next few days.”

Following his arrival in Kolkata, Rubio and his wife, Jeanette D. Rubio, visited the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, where they met with its officials.

The organisation was founded by Mother Teresa in Kolkata.

Joined @SecRubio in Kolkata for a visit to the Missionaries of Charity. Moments like these remind us the U.S.-India partnership rests not only on strong policies, but also on shared values and the spirit of selfless service that transcends borders. pic.twitter.com/dBBrEvmvnP
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) May 23, 2026

Rubio is the first US Secretary of State to visit Kolkata in 14 years.

His visit comes at a time when India-US ties have faced strain following trade tensions triggered by tariff measures imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Indian goods.

(Photos courtesy: Ambassador Sergio Gor/X)

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