Jaishankar, Rubio to Discuss India-US Trade Deal in Mumbai

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to meet in Mumbai on October 20 to discuss trade, energy, defence, critical technologies and progress on the proposed India-US trade agreement.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to hold talks in Mumbai on October 20, 2026, to review bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation across trade, energy, defence and critical technologies. The meeting comes as both countries continue efforts to conclude a proposed bilateral trade agreement.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions will focus on advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The two sides are expected to address trade and investment, energy cooperation, defence, critical and emerging technologies, and regional and global developments. The meeting is intended to sustain high-level engagement and advance shared priorities between the countries.

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The proposed India-US trade agreement is expected to be a key issue amid continuing negotiations. On October 19, Rubio said the two countries were very close to finalising a trade deal. Indian officials have also indicated that the first phase of the agreement is in its final stages, with legal drafting and efforts to secure competitive market access for Indian exporters still to be addressed.

Energy cooperation is another important area of discussion, particularly given wider concerns over global energy supplies and India’s energy requirements. Rubio’s visit also includes business engagements intended to promote commercial investment and economic cooperation. He is expected to visit Jamnagar in Gujarat, where discussions with business representatives, including those associated with Reliance Industries, have been reported.

The Mumbai meeting is part of Rubio’s October 17-22 visit to India and Uzbekistan. Before the talks with Rubio, Jaishankar is hosting United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai on October 19 and 20. The UAE visit will provide an opportunity to review bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, investment and energy.

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The discussions come amid efforts by New Delhi and Washington to maintain strategic cooperation while resolving outstanding trade issues. Their outcomes could help clarify the direction of negotiations and priorities for future economic and security engagement.