US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that President Donald Trump is planning a state visit to India in early 2027, marking his first trip to the country since returning to the White House for his second term. Rubio made the announcement during a press interaction in New Delhi, saying the administration is actively working toward the visit.
“We’re hoping that’s what we’re working towards—sometime early next year to have the President come. I think it’s very positive,” Rubio told the Indian news agency IANS. He emphasized the close relationship between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling India a key strategic partner of the United States.
“India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn’t be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy,” Rubio added. The secretary of state also indicated he plans to return to India before the end of 2026 to help prepare for the presidential visit.
The announcement comes as India and the United States work to finalize a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement. According to Rubio, negotiations are in their final stages, with only a handful of outstanding issues remaining. The trade deal represents a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries after months of tension.
Earlier in 2026, the two nations had faced trade friction. In August 2025, the Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. In February 2026, both countries reached a preliminary agreement that reduced the reciprocal tariff to 18 percent, allowing negotiations to move forward on a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement.
Trump’s last visit to India took place in February 2020, when he participated in the “Namaste Trump” rally in Ahmedabad alongside Modi before holding bilateral discussions in New Delhi. Since Trump’s return to office, he and Modi have remained in regular contact as the two countries work to strengthen cooperation in trade, defense, emerging technologies, and Indo-Pacific strategy.
India and the United States are central members of the Quad, a strategic grouping that also includes Japan and Australia. The partnership has expanded collaboration on regional security, critical and emerging technologies, resilient supply chains, and maritime security, with both nations describing their ties as among the most consequential strategic partnerships of the 21st century.
Sources
- The Times of India — Rubio’s confirmation of Trump’s early 2027 India visit and quotes about the strategic partnership
- NDTV — Trade deal in final stages and Rubio’s statements on India-US relations
- The Hindu — Rubio’s remarks on Trump’s planned visit and India-US cooperation
- BBC — Prior tariff tensions and February 2026 trade agreement details
- Bloomberg — Tariff reduction from 50% to 18% on Indian goods
