Rubio: Trump Likely To Visit India Next Year

WASHINGTON, DC-US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the Trump administration is working towards President Donald Trump’s visit to India in the early part of next year, as the two countries move closer to concluding a bilateral trade agreement.

Rubio said he expected to travel to India before the end of the year to prepare for the President’s visit.

“I look forward to returning myself before the end of the year and setting up a Presidential visit in the early parts of next year,” Rubio said.

Asked if Trump’s visit could take place next year, Rubio replied: “We’re hoping. That’s what we’re working towards sometime early next year to have the President come.”

Rubio said India-US ties were in a strong position following the recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

“I think it’s going fantastic. I mean, it’s very strong,” he said. “We had a great meeting with the Prime Minister. The President did at the G7.”

The US Secretary of State also expressed optimism about the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.

“We’re hoping to finalize a trade deal. We’re on the last inches of getting it done, and it’s very positive,” he said.

Rubio said Washington was also looking forward to another meeting of the Quad leaders soon.

“We look forward to re-engaging again in another Quad meeting very soon,” he said. (IANS)