US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits India to repair ties and boost Quad cooperation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in India for a four-day visit, his first since taking office. The trip aims to mend strained relations between the two countries and strengthen the Quad alliance, which includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia. Rubio is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in Quad talks, with energy and trade high on the agenda.

Meanwhile, domestic political tensions in India have surfaced. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the ruling BJP government over a leadership crisis and a recent fuel price hike, calling it a "loot." However, Rubio's visit remains focused on international cooperation, particularly as the US seeks to counterbalance China's influence in the region and address energy concerns following disruptions from Iran.