Speaking to IANS in Washington DC, Rubio said, “I think it’s going fantastic. I mean, it’s very strong. We had a great meeting with the Prime Minister, the President did at the G7. And we’re hoping to finalise a trade deal. We’re on the last inches of getting it done and it’s very positive.”
Rubio added, “We look forward to re-engaging again in another Quad meeting very soon, and I look forward to returning myself before the end of the year and setting up a presidential visit in the early parts of next year.”
On the proposed visit, Rubio said, “We’re hoping that’s what we’re working towards, sometime early next year to have the President come.”
He described India as a “close partner and ally” of the United States and said, “The relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn’t be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy.”
Rubio also said the two countries are looking forward to another meeting of the Quad grouping.
On trade, Rubio said, “We’re hoping to finalise a trade deal.”
He added, “We’re on the last inches of getting it done, and it’s very positive.”
Rubio also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “Modi has made India a global power.”
On energy cooperation, Rubio said India and the United States are working closely to boost cooperation, noting India’s capability in refining heavy crude oil as an important factor in the partnership.
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