US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called India an important commercial and business partner of the United States. Talking to the media in Mumbai today, Secretary Rubio said that India is a strong strategic partner and a key member of the Quad. He highlighted that India is the most populous country in the world and the largest democracy.
On India’s role in meeting the world’s energy demand, Mr Rubio said India is a refining superpower which has the capability to refine heavy crude. Replying to a question on India purchasing Russian oil, Mr Rubio highlighted that India has repeatedly expressed the desire to diversify its energy portfolio and termed it a smart thing to do. He said the US can be a source of some of India’s energy inputs. He stressed that it is in the US’ interest to have strong allies with diverse energy portfolios.
