Rubio kicks off India visit with trade deal, Russian oil on agenda
SPY•Marco Rubio arrived in India for a two-day visit as US and Indian officials said a comprehensive trade deal was close. President Donald Trump waived potential tariffs tied to India’s Russian oil purchases, while the administration began a 60-day review of possible new tariffs.
1. Trade deal talks
Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday and is set to meet government and business leaders, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. Rubio and other US officials have said a comprehensive trade deal is almost complete, raising the possibility it could be signed during his visit.
2. Russian oil tariffs
Trump waived potential tariffs last Friday that could have penalized India for buying Russian crude. A law signed in September authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil; India is second on that list after China. Rubio said the trade deal effort factored into the waiver and that the administration would review possible new tariffs over 60 days.
3. Energy imports
Rubio said India had diversified its energy sources but still received substantial energy from Russia, and described India as an important US ally and partner. India imports more than 85% of its crude oil needs. The US signed a deal with Russia last week to import diesel, the article said.
