n itself as a bigger energy supplier to India, one of the world’s largest crude importers. Ahead of his first visit to New Delhi, beginning May 23, Marco Rubio said Washington wants to sell India “as much energy as they’ll buy” as uncertainty grows over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

India imports the majority of its crude oil requirements and remains heavily dependent on shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing crisis in the region has increased concerns in New Delhi over long-term energy security and supply diversification.

US PUSHES FOR BIGGER ROLE IN INDIA

Rubio made it clear that the Trump administration wants American energy exports to become a larger part of India’s import portfolio.

“We want to be able to do more. We were already in talks with them to do more. We want them to be a bigger part of their portfolio,” he said.

The US has increased oil and gas production in recent years and is now looking to expand exports to major buyers such as India, especially as Asian countries search for more reliable suppliers amid geopolitical instability.

Rubio also hinted at possible cooperation involving Venezuelan crude oil.

“We also think there are opportunities with Venezuelan oil. In fact, it’s my understanding that the interim president of Venezuela will be travelling to India next week as well,” Rubio said.

ENERGY SECURITY ON AGENDA

Rubio called India a “great partner” and said the visit comes at an important moment for bilateral ties.

“They are a great ally, a great partner. We do a lot of good work with them. And so it is an important trip,” Rubio said.

Rubio will visit Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi during his May 23-26 trip. According to the US State Department, the visit will focus on energy, defence, trade and security cooperation.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio would discuss “energy security, trade, and defense cooperation” during meetings with senior Indian officials.

Apart from bilateral meetings, Rubio is also expected to attend the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi alongside Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu.

The Quad meeting is expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security, maritime stability and the broader fallout of the West Asia conflict.

Rubio will arrive in India after attending the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Sweden.