Rubio to Visit India, Focusing on U.S. Energy Exports and Security Issues

(CNA, New Delhi, May 21, by reporter Li Chin-wei) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in India on the 23rd for a four-day visit. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor stated that the United States is working to increase its energy exports to India, which will be one of the key topics of discussion during Rubio's trip. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) foreign ministers' meeting, involving the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, will begin on the 23rd in New Delhi, India. Rubio will remain in India for the meeting until his departure on the 26th. During his visit, Rubio will travel to Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. In his meetings with high-ranking Indian officials, he will discuss cooperation in areas such as energy, security, trade, and defense. The ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues, and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for 20% of the world's oil and natural gas transport, remains blockaded. This has led to energy supply shortages for various countries. India has also been impacted, with domestic fuel prices rising twice in one week. Facing energy supply shortages, India is actively diversifying its energy import sources, and the Trump administration is also keen to increase energy exports to India. Gor told The Economic Times of India that India has always been willing to diversify its energy sources, which means India is willing to buy more American energy. "We are very happy to see India buying U.S. energy," he said. The Middle East conflict, which began in February, has now lasted for nearly three months. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has caused global energy shortages, and the price of Brent Crude has risen by more than 50% since the conflict began. India's energy is highly dependent on imports. About 90% of its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), a primary fuel for cooking, is imported through the Strait of Hormuz. Gor mentioned that during his visit, Rubio will focus discussions with Indian counterparts on cooperation in energy, security, trade, and defense. Gor also predicted that besides Rubio, President Trump himself may visit India again in the future. "Rubio's visit to India demonstrates our willingness to further develop our partnership (with India)," Gor said. (Editor: Tien Jui-hua) 1150521