US-India ties: Rubio meets PM Modi, conveys Trump’s White House invitation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, in a key diplomatic visit aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties amid shifting global alignments.

The closed-door meeting, lasting over an hour, focused on strengthening the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with discussions covering defence cooperation, trade, critical technologies and regional security.

Rubio invites Modi to White House

Rubio called on PM Modi soon after his arrival in New Delhi and extended an invite on behalf of US President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the White House in the near future.

After the meeting, PM Modi said that both countries will continue to work closely for the global good.

"Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good," PM Modi wrote on X.

Taking to X, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor stated that, during the meeting, both sides had a "productive discussion" on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across various sectors.

He also mentioned that India remains a "vital partner" to the United States.

"Great to join Secretary Rubio for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies - areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States!" Gor posted on X.

"News! Secretary Marco Rubio extended an invite on behalf of President Donald Trump, for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House in the near future!", he added in another post.

Humanitarian visit in Kolkata

Wearing a yellow garland over his suit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by his wife Jeanette, met members of the Missionaries of Charity and observed prayers with an assembly of nuns in Kolkata.

The visit, which lasted over an hour, focused on outreach to the homeless, terminally ill and those affected by leprosy, according to Sister Marie Juan of the Missionaries of Charity.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor said the visit reflected that ties between the two countries are rooted “not only on strong policies, but also on shared values”.

Quad meetings ahead

Rubio is also expected to participate in upcoming meetings of foreign ministers from the Quad grouping — Australia, India, Japan and the United States — aimed at strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad continues to be viewed as a strategic counterbalance to China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Strategic backdrop to visit

The visit comes amid shifting global dynamics, with Washington recalibrating its approach to Asia while deepening engagement with India.

Ahead of the trip, Rubio described India as a “great ally” and “great partner”, signalling Washington’s intent to expand cooperation, including in energy and strategic sectors.

Symbolism and wider context

Rubio’s visit also carried symbolic weight, highlighting cultural and humanitarian engagement at a time of broader geopolitical recalibration involving the US, China and India.

The trip comes as US foreign policy messaging reflects evolving priorities in Asia, alongside ongoing debates over trade, security and regional influence.