Marco Rubio arrives in India for four-day diplomatic tour; meets Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins visit in Kolkata, to meet PM Modi and attend Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Delhi

Marco Rubio landed in Kolkata on Saturday morning, launching a four-day official visit to India that will include meetings with top Indian leaders and regional engagements tied to the Quad, officials and local sources said.

Initial stop in Kolkata
Rubio — accompanied by his wife Jeanette D. Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor — visited the Mother Teresa House of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata shortly after arrival, according to on-the-ground reports and photographs released by the Missionaries. The short visit included a tour of the facility and interactions with residents, agency staff and volunteers, sources familiar with the itinerary said.

Delhi meetings scheduled
After an overnight stay in Kolkata, Rubio is travelling to New Delhi where he is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today. The White House and India’s external affairs ministry confirmed the meeting in separate briefings, describing it as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral ties on trade, technology and regional security.

Talks with Jaishankar and embassy events
On Sunday, Rubio will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi for talks that officials said will focus on the Indo-Pacific, supply-chain resilience and defence cooperation. The U.S. diplomat is also slated to attend the U.S. Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations in Delhi, a customary engagement during visits by senior American officials that also serves as a platform for public diplomacy.

Quad agenda in focus
A major element of Rubio’s trip is his attendance at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Tuesday, hosted by India in New Delhi. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will join the meeting at the invitation of EAM Jaishankar, the ministry said. The gathering will, according to the External Affairs Ministry, review progress on ongoing Quad projects and discuss regional and global issues of shared interest consistent with the Quad’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Agra and Jaipur on itinerary
Between the Delhi engagements, Rubio is scheduled to visit Agra and Jaipur on Monday, sources said. Those stops reflect a common diplomatic practice of including cultural and regional site visits alongside high-level talks; they also present opportunities for bilateral outreach in states outside the national capital.

What officials say
India’s External Affairs Ministry issued a brief statement noting the Quad meeting will “review progress on ongoing projects and discuss regional and global issues,” while a U.S. State Department spokesperson framed Rubio’s trip as a “chance to advance cooperation on economic and security issues, and to strengthen people-to-people ties.” Neither side provided a full public list of discussion items, citing the usual practice of bilateral consultations on sensitive issues.

Local reaction and ground cues
At the Missionaries of Charity facility in north Kolkata, staff described the Rubio visit as low-key and focused on welfare concerns rather than political messaging. A volunteer at the house said the family spent time with residents in the late morning and observed daily routines, declining to be named. Early-morning arrivals and a modest motorcade contrasted with higher-security visits seen during other high-profile foreign delegations.

Why the trip matters
Rubio’s visit comes as Washington and New Delhi seek to broaden cooperation beyond defence—into semiconductors, clean energy and supply-chain links—while coordinating on regional diplomacy. The Quad meeting will be watched for concrete project updates and possible statements on maritime security and climate resilience, areas where the four partners have sought practical cooperation.

Next steps and outlook
After the Quad meeting, Rubio’s delegation is expected to hold follow-up sessions with Indian officials and U.S. Embassy staff before concluding the visit late Tuesday. Officials on both sides signalled that outcomes would likely be framed as incremental steps in an expanding strategic partnership rather than sweeping policy shifts.

Iran Plans Charges for Ships in Strait of Hormuz as Conflict Fallout Mounts

Iran has signalled plans to impose charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with the United States continue. The move comes amid reports of significant humanitarian efforts inside Iran, where the Iranian Red Crescent says it has rescued over 7,200 people from rubble caused by air strikes.

US officials have strongly opposed any such toll system, describing the strait as an international waterway where fees would not be tolerated.

According to sources, the Iranian position reflects efforts to assert control over one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, through which a substantial portion of global oil trade passes. Traffic has already been significantly reduced due to ongoing threats, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations maintaining a “critical” threat level in the area.

Diplomatic Pushback from Washington

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that implementing a toll system would make any agreement with Iran far more difficult. President Donald Trump has echoed this stance, insisting the strait must remain open without restrictions.

The comments come as Trump expressed disappointment with certain NATO allies. Rubio specifically criticised Spain for not allowing the US to use its military bases during the conflict. “If a country does not allow the US to use its base, then why is it in NATO?” he remarked, indicating the issue is being taken seriously at the highest levels.

Humanitarian Toll Inside Iran

On the ground in Iran, the human cost of the air strikes remains visible. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported rescuing more than 7,200 individuals trapped under debris. Rescue teams have been working around the clock, pulling survivors from destroyed buildings in various parts of the country.

Videos shared by the organisation show volunteers navigating rubble in residential areas, offering a glimpse of the destruction left behind even after the main phase of strikes eased.

Pro-government rallies have continued across Iran, including large gatherings in Tehran’s Azadi Square, with demonstrators expressing support for the leadership and armed forces.

Oil Market Jitters and Global Ripple Effects

Oil prices climbed further on Friday, with Brent crude crossing $105 per barrel at one point, driven by fears over supply disruptions. While some optimism exists around potential resumption of around 1,600 oil vessels in the strait, doubts persist about any quick breakthrough in talks.

The situation has also affected India. Thousands of Indian migrant workers in Gulf countries are returning home as regional instability hits labour markets. Exports of items like garments, footwear and leather goods have weakened, adding pressure on jobs and remittances, a Reuters report noted.

Mediation Efforts Continue

Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic involvement. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Iran to discuss proposals aimed at resolving differences between the US and Iran.

Differences between Washington and Israel have also surfaced. While the US appears keen on de-escalation and a possible ceasefire, Israeli officials are said to favour sustained pressure.

Broader Regional Picture

US military forces in West Asia remain at peak readiness, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group active in the Arabian Sea. CENTCOM highlighted ongoing operations, including enforcement related to Iranian ports.

In southern Lebanon, the Israeli army reported eliminating two individuals in an air strike after spotting suspicious movement near the border. Separate incidents, including artillery strikes in western Syria, point to lingering volatility beyond the main US-Iran theatre.

France has urged caution on releasing more strategic oil reserves, citing uncertainty over the conflict’s duration. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure emphasised the need for clearer visibility before tapping limited national stocks.

As talks proceed, with some narrowing of gaps reported by Iranian sources, the coming days will be critical. Any resolution on the Strait of Hormuz and uranium stockpiles could determine whether the region moves towards calm or faces renewed disruption.

The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with markets, migrant communities and global energy flows watching closely for signs of progress.

First LNG cargo in two months passes through strategic strait even as tensions persist; Tehran claims Washington's influence is waning

LNG Tanker Crosses Critical Waterway

The first liquefied natural gas shipment since the Iran war began two months ago has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Persian Gulf, ship-tracking data reviewed by Bloomberg showed on Tuesday.

The Mubaraz, which loaded LNG from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.'s Das Island facility in the UAE around early March, was spotted passing the southern tip of India, according to the report. The tanker had been idling inside the Persian Gulf before it stopped transmitting signals around March 31.

Energy markets have been watching the strait closely. About one-fifth of the world's oil normally flows through this waterway.

Iran Says US Influence Fading

Iran's defence ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said on Tuesday that Washington is no longer in a position to dictate policy to other nations.

"The United States is no longer in a position to dictate its policy to independent countries," Talaei-Nik told state TV. He added that Washington would eventually "accept that it must abandon its illegal and irrational demands."

The remarks came as US officials weigh a new proposal from Tehran aimed at ending the West Asia war.

Rubio Calls Iranian Offer 'Better Than Expected'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Tehran's latest proposal is "better than what was expected," though he stressed that any future agreement must permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

The White House confirmed the Iranian proposal is under discussion. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington's red lines remain in place while the offer is being considered.

Israeli Strikes Continue in Lebanon

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said its forces have destroyed more than 1,000 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, including booby-trapped structures and buildings allegedly used to store weapons. The military also claimed to have seized hundreds of weapons, including anti-tank missiles, rockets, and mortar shells.

The operations continue despite a three-week ceasefire extension announced by US President Donald Trump. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has declared that his group will continue its "defensive resistance for Lebanon and its people."

Global Impact Widens

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the strait's closure is being felt disproportionately across the Asia Pacific region due to energy supply disruptions. Oil prices edged higher again on Tuesday, with Brent crude futures rising to $108.68 per barrel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed for freedom of navigation in the waterway, warning that prolonged disruption risks triggering a global food emergency.

Digital Blackout Enters 60th Day

Monitoring group NetBlocks reported that Iran's digital darkness entered its 60th day on Tuesday, with the public largely cut off from the global internet. Tehran police separately said they had discovered a residential unit "equipped with Starlink" in the Yousefabad district, alleging it was used for "espionage activities."

What Comes Next

Diplomatic efforts continue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for his third visit to Pakistan in 48 hours, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. The Gulf Cooperation Council will convene an exceptional summit in Jeddah later Tuesday.

Jaishankar Meets Marco Rubio in Washington Amid Key India-US Developments

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement just days after India and the United States announced a major trade deal. The meeting took place during Jaishankar’s three-day official visit to the US and ahead of the first-ever Critical Minerals Ministerial, scheduled for February 4.

The high-level talks focused on strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy, defence, and critical minerals, areas that are increasingly central to India-US strategic and economic ties.

Trade Deal Sets the Context for Strategic Talks

The meeting comes a day after both countries unveiled a new trade agreement under which Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. This development has provided fresh momentum to bilateral relations, especially at a time when global supply chains and geopolitical alliances are undergoing rapid shifts.

Posting on X after the meeting, Jaishankar said he was “delighted” to meet Rubio, signalling a positive tone and shared intent to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

Focus on Critical Minerals and Global Supply Chains

A key agenda item during the visit is the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which the US is hosting for the first time in Washington DC. According to the US State Department, delegations from over 50 countries will participate, aiming to strengthen cooperation and diversify global critical mineral supply chains.

These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing. For India, collaboration in this area is vital to reduce dependence on limited suppliers and support its manufacturing and energy transition goals.

Secretary Rubio is expected to chair the ministerial, bringing together global partners to enhance coordination and long-term security of mineral supplies.

Wider Economic and Strategic Engagement

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The two leaders discussed ways to advance the India-US economic partnership and enhance strategic cooperation. Jaishankar described the interaction as “useful,” highlighting the growing alignment between the two economies.

Experts note that these back-to-back meetings underline how economic policy, trade, and strategic interests are now deeply interconnected in India-US relations.

Why This Meeting Matters Now

With rising global competition over resources, technology, and supply chains, Jaishankar meets Marco Rubio at a crucial moment. The discussions reflect a shared recognition that closer coordination on defence, nuclear energy, and critical minerals is essential for long-term stability and growth.

What It Means for India

For India, the outcomes of this visit could mean:

Better access to advanced technologies

 Stronger defence and energy partnerships

 A more secure position in global supply chains

As India and the US continue to align their strategic priorities, these talks signal a deepening partnership that goes beyond trade and into long-term geopolitical cooperation.

Jaishankar’s meeting with Marco Rubio highlights a new phase in India-US relations, driven by trade reforms, strategic trust, and shared global challenges. With critical minerals and defence cooperation taking centre stage, the partnership appears set to grow stronger in the months ahead.