U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said on Tuesday that a long-awaited trade agreement between India and the United States could be finalized within weeks, signaling progress on a deal he described as being down to “technical details.”
Speaking to Network18 during a visit to Mumbai, Rubio said negotiators were working to ensure that the final language was acceptable to both sides before making an announcement.
“It’s incredibly close,” Rubio said. “I think we’re down to some technical details that have to be worked out.”
Rubio declined to set a firm deadline but said the agreement was expected “in a matter of weeks, not months.”
He said the deal should deliver better trading terms while remaining sustainable and mutually beneficial for both countries. “Both sides have to agree that the language means the same thing,” he said.
The secretary’s comments came during a visit focused on strengthening economic and strategic ties with India.
Rubio said Mumbai was a logical destination because of its role as India’s financial center and the presence of companies that invest in or trade with the United States.
He also defended the Trump administration’s decision not to immediately impose additional tariffs and sanctions on countries still doing business with Russia.
Rubio said sanctions could create unintended consequences for countries outside the Russia-Ukraine conflict, forcing Washington to balance pressure on Moscow with broader economic and security interests.
Rubio said Washington hoped those tensions could be eased through progress on the trade agreement with India.
The interview also addressed concerns over anti-Indian hostility in the United States. Rubio said such sentiment was not widespread but acknowledged that attacks motivated by hatred and ignorance still occur.
He condemned an alleged plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois and said American communities generally respond by rallying against discrimination.
On Pakistan, Rubio said the United States remained opposed to terrorism and terrorist sponsorship but needed to maintain relations with Islamabad because of its nuclear arsenal and strategic geography.
He said continued engagement could help discourage actions that concern India. Rubio also accused Iran of targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, comparing its tactics to Nazi U-boat operations during World War II.
He said the United States was continuing to defend vessels in the region and claimed that Indian sailors had been among those killed in strikes.
Looking ahead, Rubio said a Quad leaders’ summit involving India, the United States, Japan and Australia was expected before the end of the year, potentially alongside an ASEAN gathering in Manila.
He said the meeting should produce concrete initiatives rather than serve merely as a diplomatic photo opportunity.
Rubio is scheduled to visit Reliance’s operations in Jamnagar, where he said discussions would focus on refining capacity and energy-supply diversification.
He highlighted Reliance’s investments in U.S. refining infrastructure and said closer cooperation could benefit both countries.