Rubio heads to India as Trump pauses Russian oil tariff threat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to India and Uzbekistan after President Donald Trump paused threatened tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil, including India. The visit aims to assess the economic impact of the proposed penalties while strengthening bilateral ties. Rubio will meet senior Indian officials in Mumbai on October 20 to discuss trade, defence, energy, and emerging technologies. The 60-day review of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act allows Washington to study effects on global and US economies, with India importing 1.9 million barrels of Russian crude daily in September. The trip includes a visit to Jamnagar, Gujarat, home to Reliance Industries' refining complex, ahead of a proposed US refinery investment. Rubio will also attend a C5+1 ministerial meeting in Uzbekistan, focusing on regional cooperation, before his India engagements.