Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 28: Political leaders and strategic affairs experts have welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's indication that President Donald Trump may visit India early next year, describing the proposed trip as an important opportunity to reinforce bilateral relations amid ongoing trade negotiations and shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Reacting to Rubio's remarks, Chairman of the Australia India Strategic Alliance Jagvinder Singh Virk said the proposed visit represents a significant diplomatic development, particularly as countries seek to recalibrate their foreign relations following recent tensions in West Asia.
Virk observed that the United States has experienced periods of strained relations with several partners, including India, Australia, Canada and European nations over the past couple of years. He said the evolving global environment makes stronger engagement between New Delhi and Washington increasingly important.
He added that any major country ignoring India's growing global influence would do so at its own risk, expressing confidence that a visit by President Trump would provide an opportunity to reset and deepen bilateral ties.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S.P. Vaid also described the proposed visit as timely, noting that India-US relations had experienced some strain since President Trump returned to office.
According to Vaid, India and the United States had previously maintained a strong strategic partnership, but recent trade measures introduced by Washington had created fresh challenges.
He referred to the tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian exports, alleging that India had been subjected to comparatively higher duties than several other countries.
Vaid also pointed to Washington's recent engagement with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, saying the development had added to concerns in New Delhi. He, however, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs for responding with restraint and patience.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Lal welcomed the possibility of Trump's visit, describing the United States as India's largest trading partner and one of the world's biggest economies.
He expressed optimism that the proposed India-US trade agreement, which is reportedly in its final stages of negotiation, would receive further momentum during the visit and contribute to strengthening economic and strategic relations between the two countries.
Rubio had also stated that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, is steadily emerging as a major global power and playing an increasingly influential role in international decision-making.
Responding to those remarks, BJP leader Rohan Gupta said the comments reflected growing international recognition of India's leadership and questioned whether opposition parties would acknowledge the appreciation expressed by the senior US official.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Masood criticised the proposed trade agreement, alleging that the Centre's economic policies would primarily benefit the United States.
Masood argued that opening India's markets under the proposed deal could adversely affect domestic industries and farmers, while strengthening the American economy, and suggested that such economic considerations explained the favourable comments from US officials.