New Delhi

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday emphasised the growing strategic partnership between the United States and India, stating that ties between Washington and New Delhi continue to strengthen steadily.

Rubio made the remarks while addressing the dedication ceremony of the US Embassy Support Annex Building in the national capital.

Highlighting the personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, Rubio said the relationship between the two leaders dates back to Trump’s first term in office and has continued into his second administration. He noted that the understanding between leaders plays a crucial role in shaping bilateral relations and described both leaders as focused on long-term strategic goals rather than short-term considerations.

The remarks came shortly after Rubio held a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi earlier in the day. The discussions reportedly lasted for more than an hour.

During the meeting, Rubio conveyed an invitation from President Trump for PM Modi to visit the White House.

Following the talks, Prime Minister Modi shared details of the interaction on social media, stating that the two sides exchanged views on important regional and global security issues.

Rubio arrived in India earlier on Saturday as part of a four-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office last year. He landed first in Kolkata, where he visited the Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, before travelling to New Delhi.

As part of his visit, the US Secretary of State is scheduled to hold formal discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday. He is also expected to participate in a meeting of Quad foreign ministers in Delhi on Tuesday.

In addition to his diplomatic engagements in the capital, Rubio is slated to visit Agra and Jaipur during the tour.

Before departing for India, Rubio had underlined the importance of the bilateral relationship, describing India as a key partner and ally of the United States. He had said there was substantial cooperation underway between the two countries across several areas.

According to reports, the ongoing discussions between the two nations are expected to cover issues such as the escalating US-Iran conflict and its impact on global energy markets, as well as trade-related concerns arising from recent American tariffs imposed on Indian goods.

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The visit is being viewed as an important diplomatic effort aimed at reinforcing strategic ties between the two countries, with both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi seen as keen to maintain momentum in bilateral relations.