As the United States and India approach a resolution on trade negotiations, President Donald Trump is working on plans for a visit to India in early 2027, signaling a strengthening of bilateral relations.
On June 27, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview with Indian news agency IANS that efforts are underway for Trump’s visit early next year.
"India is a very close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump is exceptionally strong," Rubio said. He added that he is also likely to visit India later this year to prepare for the trip.
Rubio noted that the relationship between the two countries has been further solidified following their leaders' meeting at the recent G7 summit, describing it as "going fantastically well and very strong."
He also indicated that trade negotiations are nearing completion, stating, "We hope to finalize the trade agreement, and we are in the last stages of the process," and described the atmosphere as "very positive."
Earlier, on June 24, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reported after talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New Delhi that the first phase of the trade agreement negotiations is 99% complete.
Rubio expressed hope for a forthcoming Quad summit involving the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India.
However, the relationship has not been without challenges. Since last year, trade negotiations have faced stalemates, and the Trump administration imposed high tariffs on India due to imports of Russian oil, while strengthening ties with Pakistan, India's competitor, which temporarily cooled relations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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