Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed security, trade and Indo-Pacific cooperation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
May 23, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held important discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on security, trade, critical technologies and regional issues. Rubio, who is on a three-day visit to India, also conveyed an invitation from US President Donald Trump for Modi to visit the White House in the near future. US envoy Sergio Gor said the talks focused on strengthening India-US cooperation and developments in the Indo-Pacific region amid China’s growing influence.
Prime Minister Modi later said the meeting also covered regional and global peace and security matters, with the ongoing Iran conflict believed to be part of the discussions. Modi reaffirmed that India and the United States would continue working closely for global stability and progress. The meeting comes at a time when the US is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and seeking stronger strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, where India is viewed as an important counterbalance to China.
India-US relations under Trump’s second term have seen both cooperation and tensions. During Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025, both leaders pledged to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. However, ties later became strained after the US imposed tariffs on Indian imports over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Relations improved again after both countries agreed on a trade deal framework earlier this year, although geopolitical instability in West Asia has delayed a formal agreement. Rubio’s visit is being seen as an effort to maintain momentum in the India-US strategic partnership while addressing trade and geopolitical concerns.