IndiaPosted at: Oct 20 2026 11:21PM


India, US 'very, very close' to wrapping up trade deal, says Rubio, holds talks with Jaishankar

Mumbai/New Delhi, Oct 20 (UNI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US and India are "very, very close" to wrapping up the bilateral trade deal, as he held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai on deepening cooperation in trade, defence, technology and energy security, and regional developments.
“We’re very, very close. I would say we’re about as close as you can be without having executed the agreement,” the US Secretary of State told reporters in Mumbai today. “I think there’s a small number of items left to wrap up, so I think that will happen shortly.”
Separately, in an interview to a news channel, Rubio said the India-US trade deal is "incredibly close"... 'We are talking about weeks, not months.”
A readout said that the two ministers during their meeting in Mumbai today welcomed the progress in negotiations on the India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and reaffirmed their commitment to working towards its early conclusion.
Rubio is visiting India from October 20-21 at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This is Rubio’s second visit to India, after his previous visit to New Delhi in May 2026.
During the visit to Mumbai, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of India–U.S. relations and discussed ways to further strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Both sides had a detailed exchange of views on a wide range of areas, including trade, defence, technology and energy security.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
EAM also participated as the Chief Guest at the U.S. Freedom 250 Reception hosted by the U.S. Ambassador.
The visit reflected the sustained momentum of high-level exchanges between the two countries, underscoring the importance both sides attach to further advancing the India-U.S. COMPACT for the 21st century, the readout said.
EAM Jaishankar, in his address at the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, mentioned the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. He thanked Rubio for laying a wreath at the Taj Hotel's 26/11 memorial.
"Mumbai too has been attacked by those who wish it ill. The spirit of the Mumbaikar was demonstrated in their response to the 26/11 terrorist assault. Six Americans also lost their lives at that time. Secretary Rubio, all of Mumbai and indeed, all of India appreciates your laying a wreath today at the Taj Hotel’s 26/11 memorial.
"India also welcomes this Administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was one of the key culprits. We are clear on the right to defend ourselves against terrorism, and expect that our partners show zero tolerance towards terrorism as well."
Jaishankar said the world order is clearly in transition and countries are responding accordingly, with each naturally pursuing their national interest.
"In such an era, expanding our convergence is key to deepening our ties. There are new opportunities in our partnership, in trade, investment, technology and energy, and these await us. We have a shared stake in strengthening peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Engaging regularly and identifying common interests will certainly help provide a pathway.
"So your presence here, Secretary Rubio, and the discussions that we’ve had earlier in the day hold great value," he added, and reaffirmed their commitment to advance the India-US strategic partnership.
Later, EAM Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Rubio also held a trilateral meeting with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is visiting India.
Rubio told reporters that the three top officials met to discuss “regional energy security and advance our shared economic priorities.”
UNI RN
Tags: #India# US 'very# very close' to wrapping up trade deal# says Rubio# holds talks with Jaishankar
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