US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the United States wants India to become a much larger buyer of American energy exports, signalling a major push to deepen strategic energy cooperation between Washington and New Delhi ahead of his upcoming India visit.
Speaking to reporters before departing for Sweden and India, Rubio said the US is ready to sell India “as much energy as they’ll buy” and added that both countries were already engaged in discussions to expand energy trade.
Rubio’s remarks come at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and fears surrounding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. India, the world’s third-largest crude oil importer, has been actively looking to diversify its energy sources to improve long-term energy security.
The US Secretary of State described India as a “great partner” and said strengthening energy cooperation would be one of the key agendas during his visit to New Delhi from May 23 to 26.
According to reports, Rubio also hinted at possible opportunities involving Venezuelan oil exports, suggesting that Washington may support broader energy arrangements that could help India access alternative crude supply sources amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Energy cooperation between India and the United States has expanded significantly over the last decade, especially in liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil imports, clean energy technology, and strategic petroleum coordination. The US has increasingly emerged as one of India’s important energy suppliers.
Rubio’s India visit is also expected to focus on trade, defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific security, and strategic coordination among Quad nations, including the United States, India, Japan, and Australia.
Analysts say the growing US push to expand energy exports to India reflects Washington’s attempt to strengthen economic ties while positioning itself as a reliable alternative supplier amid instability in West Asia. Rising crude prices and geopolitical tensions have increased global competition for stable energy partnerships.
India has simultaneously been expanding its energy relationships with multiple countries including Russia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the United States to reduce supply risks and maintain stable domestic fuel availability.
The upcoming Rubio visit is being closely watched as both countries seek to deepen cooperation across energy, technology, trade, and strategic security sectors during a period of major global geopolitical realignment.
