Khaberni - Indo-Igan News Service reported on Saturday that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is seeking to arrange a visit by President Donald Trump to India early next year, at a time when both countries are working on a bilateral trade agreement.
Rubio told the agency in an interview that he is likely to visit India this year to prepare for the president's visit.
He explained, "We are working on arranging the president's visit sometime early next year."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Trump last week on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France.
Trump said they had a “very good” talk.
India has been pressing the United States for months for a Trump visit, possibly as part of a meeting including Japan and Australia.
The relationship between India and the United States has seen fluctuations over the past year, especially after the U.S. engaged in strengthening relations with Pakistan, India's historical enemy.
Washington imposed high tariffs on Indian goods to punish New Delhi for purchasing Russian oil.
Rubio visited India last month in an attempt to mend relations, but the killing of three Indian sailors in attacks by the U.S. Navy on merchant ships in the Gulf led to renewed tensions.
In the interview with Indo-Igan News Service, Rubio said the United States hopes to strike a trade deal with India, adding, "We are just a few steps away from completing the agreement, and the situation is very positive."
