Now Reading: Rubio hints at imminent US-India trade deal, acknowledges visa ‘bumps’
-
01
Rubio hints at imminent US-India trade deal, acknowledges visa ‘bumps’
Rubio hints at imminent US-India trade deal, acknowledges visa ‘bumps’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday signalled an imminent trade agreement with India, calling it “beneficial” and “sustainable” after talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He said a US…
The Story in Brief
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday signalled an imminent trade agreement with India, calling it “beneficial” and “sustainable” after talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He said a US trade representative could visit India soon, as progress has been “tremendous”. The visit aims to repair ties strained by Trump-era tariffs, including a 25% levy on Indian energy purchases.
Rubio also acknowledged “bumps” in US immigration reforms, responding to Jaishankar’s concerns over new rules requiring green card applicants to return to their home countries. Rubio insisted the changes are global not India-specific. Over 20 million illegal entries prompted the reforms, he said. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's 'India first' approach, while Rubio stressed the bilateral relationship will grow “stronger than ever” by the end of Trump's term.
The Indian Opinion
Two scripts are playing out in US-India ties. One, a trade deal sold as imminent and universally beneficial. The other, tougher immigration rules downplayed as temporary 'bumps'. The contradiction is jarring. Washington wants Indian market access while tightening doors for Indian professionals. How can a 'sustainable' partnership rest on such unequal ground? The test will be whether this trade pact addresses visa barriers or simply sidelines them.
Sources (2): millenniumpost.in, millenniumpost.in (2)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
