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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio steps off a plane at Lisbon Airport, Portugal, on October 8, 2026. (Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via Reuters)
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Firstpost•21-10-2026, 08:45
Rubio Confirms India-US Trade Talks Nearing Final Stages
  • •US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that India-US trade talks are down to final technical details and expected to be resolved in weeks.
  • •Rubio emphasized that both nations are incredibly close to announcing a trade deal after months of stalled progress.
  • •During his four-day visit to India, Rubio met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai and planned to engage with business leaders.
  • •Rubio highlighted that building a sustainable trade relationship is a primary focus for the United States administration.

Key Questions Answered

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that only some technical details remain to be finalised in the India-US trade talks, which he expects to resolve in a matter of weeks rather than months. He emphasized that both countries are incredibly close to announcing a trade deal once every detail is completely agreed upon.

On the first day of his four-day visit to India, Marco Rubio held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai and attended an event marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. He is also scheduled to meet with business leaders in Mumbai and visit Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Regarding tariff rates, Marco Rubio explained that while the purpose of the deal is to secure better rates, the administration's primary focus is on establishing a sustainable trade relationship that respects each country's national interests.