The United States is stepping up its efforts to rebuild ties with India, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio using his visit to New Delhi to promote energy cooperation.
During talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rubio argued that American supplies could play a larger role in India’s energy mix, saying U.S. energy products have the potential to “diversify India’s energy supply”.
He also linked the issue to wider geopolitical tensions, stressing that the U.S. would not allow Iran to disrupt global markets, a reference to ongoing instability that has complicated efforts to reduce India’s reliance on Russian oil.
Rubio’s visit comes amid lingering tensions over trade. Tariffs imposed during Donald Trump’s presidency strained economic relations, and while some have been scaled back under an interim arrangement, a comprehensive agreement has yet to be finalised.
Analysts say the lack of progress has cast a shadow over broader cooperation. Richard Rossow of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies warned that the absence of a deal continues to weigh on engagement, noting that the delay “clouds other areas” of the relationship.
At the same time, shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities have raised concerns in New Delhi. Washington’s closer engagement with Pakistan, particularly its role in efforts to address the Iran crisis, has added strain to relations.
“There is a perfect storm of anxiety,” said Basant Sanghera, a former U.S. State Department expert, pointing to trade tensions and evolving regional alliances. He added, however, that ties have stabilised somewhat, with both sides trying to rebuild momentum where interests align.
U.S. diplomacy with China has also drawn attention in India, particularly following recent high-level engagement between Washington and Beijing.
Despite these challenges, both sides signalled a willingness to stabilise ties. Modi reiterated India’s support for resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, while Rubio extended an invitation from President Trump for the Indian leader to visit the White House.
The visit also comes ahead of a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in India, seen as an opportunity to reaffirm cooperation among the U.S., India, Japan and Australia. However, the absence of a leaders’ summit has prompted some analysts to describe it as a quiet downgrade in engagement.
While disagreements remain, Rubio’s visit underscores a shared interest in maintaining strategic cooperation, even as trade disputes, energy concerns and shifting alliances continue to test one of Washington’s most important partnerships.
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