Marco Rubio Says US Is ‘Very Close’ to Finalising Trade Deal With India

The United States is close to finalising a trade deal with India, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, while explaining how energy supplies and Russian oil sanctions influence Washington’s foreign policy decisions.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington is “very close” to finalising a trade deal with India, highlighting the importance of bilateral trade negotiations amid broader discussions over energy security and sanctions on Russian oil and gas.

Speaking about the ongoing negotiations, Rubio said the United States was working to conclude the agreement with India. He also indicated that such considerations form part of the wider context in which the US President makes decisions on national security waivers and related policy matters.

Addressing the issue of Russian oil and gas, Rubio acknowledged that Washington had waived sanctions over the past few months because of the potential impact on global energy supplies and prices.

“We've had to waive sanctions over the past few months because of the impact on global supplies and prices,” Rubio said, underlining the need to balance multiple considerations while formulating foreign policy.

He noted that every country faces a complex set of circumstances when making decisions on energy procurement, with geography playing a significant role. According to Rubio, some countries face considerable difficulties in obtaining energy from alternative sources.

While stressing that such circumstances do not serve as an excuse, he said these factors must be weighed against broader foreign policy objectives.

Rubio's remarks highlight the intersection of India-US trade negotiations, energy security and Washington's approach to sanctions on Russian energy exports. His statement that the two countries are very close to finalising a trade deal signals progress in bilateral economic discussions, although he did not announce a final agreement or specify a timeline for its conclusion.