Rubio: Trump administration working toward India visit in early 2027

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the Trump administration is working towards a possible visit by President Donald Trump to India in early 2027, signalling continued momentum in US–India relations alongside ongoing trade negotiations.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Rubio said preparations were under way, including a potential advance visit to India later this year.

“I look forward to returning before the end of the year and setting up a Presidential visit in the early parts of next year,” Rubio said.

Asked whether Trump’s visit could take place next year, he added: “We're hoping. That's what we're working towards sometime early next year to have the President come.”

Rubio linked the planned diplomatic calendar to what he described as a strengthening of bilateral engagement following recent contacts between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit.

“I think it's going fantastic. I mean, it's very strong,” he said. “We had a great meeting with the Prime Minister. The President did at the G7.”

He also said Washington was making progress on trade talks with New Delhi.

“We're hoping to finalise a trade deal. We're on the last inches of getting it done, and it's very positive,” Rubio said.

According to Rubio, the US is also preparing for further multilateral engagement with India through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad.

“We look forward to re-engaging again in another Quad meeting very soon,” he said.

Describing India as a key strategic partner, Rubio said: “India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy.”

President Trump last visited India in February 2020 for the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad, followed by bilateral talks in New Delhi. Since returning to office, Trump and Modi have maintained regular contact across trade, defence, technology and Indo-Pacific security priorities.