In recent months, after the strict tariff policies implemented by the US administration and changes made in the rules of work visa (H-1B and Green Card processing), the question was being raised loudly in the international media and business circles whether the US is deliberately targeting India. Amidst this heated atmosphere, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited India, met Foreign Minister Dr. S. All these speculations have been put to an end during the important meeting with Jaishankar. Marco Rubio clarified that Washington’s trade and visa policies are not meant to target any one country, but are part of America’s broader strategy to strengthen national security, economic balance and global supply chains.
Responding to the question of India’s import of crude oil from Russia and the US reaction to it, Marco Rubio adopted a very practical and diplomatic stance. He said that “Geography is real” and every country has its own circumstances and geographical challenges regarding energy security and supply. He clarified that when the US President takes tough policy decisions related to National Security Waivers or tariffs, he keeps in mind the depth of strategic relations with India. He acknowledged that it is not easy for a large country like India to make a sudden change in energy sources, and the US is fully committed to maintaining a balance of the impacts of its policies on strategic partners.
Giving the biggest and most awaited update on a bilateral trade agreement, the US Secretary of State said that the two countries are “very close” to finalizing a bilateral trade agreement. According to Rubio, the deal is not just a matter of months, but is now expected to be completed “in a matter of weeks, not months.” The negotiations are now in the final stages of finalizing technical details and legal text. This agreement will rapidly increase bilateral trade between India and the US and Indian manufacturers are expected to get competitive tariff rates in the US market at par with Vietnam and other competing countries.
On the tightening of green card and visa rules for IT professionals, the US delegation has indicated that the main objective of these reforms is to prevent abuses in the visa system and bring fairness. US officials say that the exchange of technology, AI and highly skilled human resources between India and the US is central to the economic future of both the countries. Therefore, both the countries are agreeing to create an accessible and transparent framework without hindering legal and skilled labor mobility.
Marco Rubio’s visit to Mumbai and Gujarat (Jamnagar) mainly focuses on advancing energy security and defense cooperation. The US is looking at India as a key market for its advanced energy technologies, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and defense systems. Under the “India-US Compact for the 21st Century”, both the countries have agreed to work shoulder to shoulder to ensure free movement of semiconductors, supply chain security and mobility in the Indo-Pacific region. Rubio stressed that even though there may be differences on some issues between the two sovereign nations, when it comes to core issues of national interest, the synergy between India and the US is unprecedented.