Rubio-Modi Talks Focus on Energy Security Amid Iran Crisis

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during his four-day visit to India, with discussions centering on regional security, energy cooperation, and trade ties.

Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday before travelling to the Indian capital.

His visit will also include stops in Jaipur and Agra.

During the meeting, Rubio extended an invitation from the White House for Modi to visit the United States, according to US officials.

Modi said the two leaders discussed matters related to regional and global peace and security, while US officials confirmed that the ongoing Middle East tensions and energy crisis were key topics during the talks.

The discussions come as India faces mounting pressure from disruptions in global energy supplies linked to tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments.

India, which imports more than 80 percent of its energy needs, has been significantly affected, with nearly half of its crude oil imports normally passing through the strait.

According to US officials, Rubio assured Modi that the United States would not allow Iran to “hold the global energy market hostage” and said American energy exports could help diversify India’s energy supply.

Rubio had earlier stated that Washington was prepared to sell India “as much energy as they’ll buy.”

The visit also comes amid efforts by both nations to reshape economic ties and address trade imbalances.

The US trade deficit with India reportedly rose to 58.2 billion dollars in 2025, marking a sharp increase from the previous year.