Kolkata, 23 May (H.S.) : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday morning along with his wife, marking the beginning of his four-day India visit. After landing at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Rubio proceeded directly to the Mother House in Taltala. He is scheduled to leave for New Delhi later in the day, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This is the first visit by a US Secretary of State to West Bengal in the past 14 years. Rubio chose Kolkata as the starting point of his India tour. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor shared details of Rubio’s arrival on social media platform X, stating that discussions in New Delhi would focus on trade, technology, defence and the Quad partnership, besides bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rubio’s visit comes at a politically significant time, following the recent change of power in West Bengal, where the Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in the state for the first time. Political observers view the Kolkata visit as carrying both political and diplomatic significance.

The visit also assumes importance amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia and the US-Iran confrontation. India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomatic engagement to ensure peace in the region. New Delhi has also repeatedly stressed the need to maintain uninterrupted movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The West Asia crisis has had a direct impact on global energy markets, with fuel prices continuing to rise in India due to uncertainty in energy supplies.

Petrol and diesel prices have been increased for the third time in the past 10 days. Before departing for Kolkata, Rubio was asked about the issue and responded briefly by describing India as a “close and trusted friend” of the United States. He also expressed enthusiasm about meeting Indian ministers and representatives of Quad nations during his visit.

On the final day of his India tour, May 26, Rubio will attend the Quad meeting alongside External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh