US Working on Trump's India Visit Early Next Year, Says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington is working to arrange President Donald Trump's visit to India in the early part of next year as the two countries move closer to finalizing a bilateral trade agreement.

In an interview, Rubio said preparations for the visit are already underway and noted that he may travel to India later this year as part of the planning process.

"We are working to bring President Trump to India early next year," Rubio said.

His remarks come as India and the United States continue negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, which Rubio described as being in its final stages.

Last week, Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. Following the meeting, Trump described their discussions as "very good."

According to a Reuters report, India has intensified diplomatic engagement with Washington over the past several months to facilitate Trump's visit. The proposed trip could also coincide with a regional meeting involving Japan and Australia.

Relations between India and the United States experienced some strain over the past year after Washington imposed higher tariffs on certain Indian exports in response to India's continued purchases of Russian oil. During the same period, the United States also strengthened its ties with Pakistan.

Despite those challenges, both countries now appear optimistic about improving bilateral relations and concluding a comprehensive trade agreement.

"We are in the final phase of the negotiations, and the progress has been very positive," Rubio said, expressing confidence that the deal could be finalized in the near future.