Rubio pitched US energy products to diversify India’s supply in meeting with PM Modi

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that American energy products have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday (23 May).

The discussions came amid India’s mounting concerns over crude oil and natural gas supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and intermittent sanctions on Russian crude purchases.

Rubio affirmed that Washington will not permit Iran to hold the global energy market hostage, according to a readout of the meeting by the US State Department.

Speaking to reporters before his India visit, Rubio had stated: "We want to sell them as much energy as they’ll buy," highlighting that the US is at historic levels of energy production and exports.

The Secretary of State also highlighted the need for collaboration on small modular reactors, considered next-generation nuclear technology.

India has been particularly hard-hit by energy supply disruptions, with the government introducing emergency measures including fuel price increases to contain the fallout from West Asia tensions.

During the meeting, Rubio and PM Modi agreed to deepen trade and defence cooperation and accelerate collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.

Rubio also extended a White House invitation to PM Modi on behalf of US President Donald Trump.

The discussions touched on Venezuela as another potential energy source, with Rubio noting there are "opportunities with Venezuelan oil" to strengthen India’s energy security portfolio.

The four-day visit, which includes stops in Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, aims to shore up a partnership strained by Trump’s tariffs on India and Washington’s renewed engagement with Pakistan and China.

Rubio will participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 26 May, alongside counterparts from Australia and Japan.

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المصدر: Swarajya