US ready to supply India with all the 'oil, gas it needs’: Marco Rubio ahead of India visit

Amid concerns over global energy supplies due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington is prepared to supply India with as much oil and gas as it requires.

Rubio made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Miami ahead of his four-day visit to India beginning May 23.

Describing India as a “great partner” and a key ally of the United States, Rubio said Washington was fully prepared to strengthen energy cooperation with New Delhi. 

The statement comes at a time when global markets remain concerned over the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and possible disruptions in energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies.

Rubio also said Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez is expected to visit India next week for discussions related to crude oil exports. 

According to reports, the development follows steps taken earlier this year by US President Donald Trump to permit oil trade arrangements involving India and Venezuela, amid broader efforts to stabilise energy markets.

Rubio will visit India from May 23 to 26 and is scheduled to travel to New Delhi, Kolkata, Agra and Jaipur. 

The visit will mark the first trip by a US Secretary of State to Kolkata in 14 years. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton had last visited the city in 2012.

On May 26, India will also host a high-level meeting of foreign ministers of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) grouping. 

The meeting will be chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

The Quad meeting is expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security, China’s growing assertiveness in the region and global energy security challenges.