Rubio in India: When Washington’s Tariffs Backfire

Washington pressured India to cut Russian oil imports, threatened tariffs, and strained a vital partnership. Now, with trade negotiations stalled and energy security under pressure, Rubio’s visit raises a bigger question: is the US repairing relations with India, or simply recalibrating its priorities?

Although there has been a slight decrease in the import percentage, Russia is one of India’s most significant trade partners and a major supplier of crude oil. And astonishingly, the same tariff king is now asking Russia to supply diesel to American markets. Tariffs and sanctions have finally backfired. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in India from 20 to 22 October 2026. Basically, Washington wants India as a partner, but it continues to treat India as a target. Rubio’s challenge during this visit was to bridge that contradiction.

The three-day visit of Rubio to India was his second visit in six months. And just like last time, Rubio was a man on a mission. Ties between India and the United States are under strain. The trade deals are stuck, and there is pressure on the energy front. America’s war with Iran has disrupted energy supplies, and India has been hit. Skipping New Delhi, Rubio’s itinerary this time spoke volumes about how this trip was all about business. His first stop was Mumbai, the financial capital. His second visit was to Jamnagar, Gujarat, to one of the world’s largest oil refineries, Reliance. This visit showcases how Marco Rubio is doing his best to solidify energy deals with India, since adding more refined fuel to the global market might just save Trump’s declining popularity before the midterms in November.

What Was on the Table?

A. Indo-US Trade Deal

In February 2026, President Donald Trump announced a framework for a US–India trade deal under which Washington would reduce tariffs on Indian goods in exchange for India lowering its trade barriers and reducing its purchases of Russian oil. However, the announcement did not amount to a signed trade agreement, and negotiations continued over the outstanding terms. Trump also claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to stop purchasing Russian oil.

Earlier this month, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about the trade deal. She said,........

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