U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Begins Historic Visit to Kolkata

Marco Rubio's Official Visit to Kolkata

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day official visit. This trip is particularly significant from both strategic and historical perspectives, marking the first visit by a U.S. Secretary of State to Kolkata in 14 years. The last visit was made by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in May 2012.

Rubio's arrival coincides with notable political changes in West Bengal, specifically the formation of a new government led by the BJP, adding further interest to his visit.

Sergio Gore, the U.S. Ambassador to India, announced on social media that Secretary Rubio has reached Kolkata, emphasizing that this is his inaugural trip to India. Later today, he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss various topics, including trade, technology, defense, and the Quad alliance.

In another post, the ambassador expressed his delight in welcoming Rubio to India, highlighting the importance of their agenda, which includes a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad countries aimed at strengthening the India-U.S. partnership.

According to the U.S. State Department, Rubio will also visit the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, known as 'Mother House,' and a children's home in central Kolkata during his stay.

Rubio's itinerary from May 23 to 26 includes visits to Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. This diplomatic mission is deemed crucial as it will address energy cooperation with India and feature a meeting of the Quad foreign ministers.

Before departing for India, Rubio stated to reporters in Miami, 'We want to sell India as much energy as it can buy. U.S. production and exports are at historic levels.' He referred to India as a 'reliable and important partner' in light of potential energy crises stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Quad ministerial meeting.

On May 26, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will chair the Quad meeting, which will include Rubio, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.