Rubio: Trump Likely to Visit India Early Next Year

US secretary of state Marco Rubio on Saturday said the Donald Trump administration is working towards an India visit by the US president "sometime early next year," describing New Delhi as one of Washington's closest partners. Responding to a question about Trump's possible visit to India in 2027, Rubio said the administration was optimistic about the trip. "We're hoping that's what we're working towards - sometime early next year to have the President come. I think it's very positive," he told IANS. Calling India a key strategic partner, Rubio highlighted the strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Trump. "India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," he added. India and the United States are central members of the Quad, along with Japan and Australia. The grouping has expanded collaboration on regional security, critical and emerging technologies, resilient supply chains and maritime security, with both countries describing their ties as among the most consequential strategic partnerships of the 21st century. Trump last travelled to India in February 2020, when he joined PM Modi at the "Namaste Trump" rally in Ahmedabad before the two leaders held bilateral discussions in New Delhi. Since Trump's return to the White House, he and Modi have remained in regular contact as Washington and New Delhi work to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, defence, emerging technologies and the Indo-Pacific.