India and US near final trade deal after Rubio-Jaishankar talks

India and the US are close to finalizing a bilateral trade agreement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying only a small number of items remain unresolved. He expressed hope the deal will be signed shortly following his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai. Rubio urged India to expand energy trade and purchase more American technologies and defense systems, while also calling on New Delhi to process more Venezuelan crude. Both sides reviewed the full scope of their strategic partnership, including trade, defense, technology, and energy security, amid strained ties over US tariffs and immigration policies. The visit marks Rubio's second to India in five months, and he is scheduled to tour Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery. The discussions also covered regional issues, including West Asia, with the US State Department commending progress in bilateral defense and civil nuclear cooperation.