The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region.

The new measures were announced following a meeting of the grouping's foreign ministers in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

In his media statement, Jaishankar announced a critical minerals framework and an Indo-Pacific energy security initiative under the broader Quad agenda to confront major challenges facing the region.

"Much of the discussions and indeed the bilateral exchanges were devoted to the current state of the world," Jaishankar said at the end of the meeting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the Quad group and said it is a gathering of four
"strategic allies".

"My first meeting as Secretary of State was the Quad, within minutes of being sworn in. I thought that demonstrated our commitment to this process. But our goal collectively over the last year has been to turn this from a forum in which we meet and talk about problems to one where we actually do something about them," he said.

He said the areas they are working together on have become "even more relevant and more important" due to recent events around the world.

:And so today, I think we'll make even further progress on operationalising our relationship in the areas that we can cooperate on. The most interesting thing about the Quad is not simply that we are, it is a gathering of four strategic allies in which we come together to  compare notes about areas of common interest," Rubio said.

At the Quad foreign ministers' meet in Delhi, the foreign minister of Japan, Toshimitsu Motegi, said, "This Quad meeting signifies the firm message to the world that Quad will strongly promote cooperation to realise free and open Indo-Pacific...The Indo-Pacific nations should strengthen resilience and the necessary capacity to determine their own future, including economic security. Today, I hope for frank discussions, including accelerating the Quad collaboration."

S Jaishankar has said that the Indo-Pacific region must remain a "driver for global growth and stability".

"We will be underlining that today, through our deliberations, which I am confident will be useful and productive," he said.

"Over the past several months, our officials have advanced collaboration across key core priorities, including maritime security, critical technologies, economic resilience and HADR. We have seen encouraging progress on many initiatives. As maritime democracies, pluralistic societies and market economies, we share the responsibility towards a free and open Indo-Pacific," he added.

S Jaishankar has told Quad counterparts from the US, Japan and Australia that they have to address issues like supply chain resilience and connectivity choke points.

"We will be discussing and deciding our shared activities. Obviously, that will take into account the many challenges and opportunities in the world. Our focus will clearly be on the Indo-Pacific, which is the specific limit of the Quad. At the global level, we have to address issues like supply chain resilience, connectivity choke points, manufacturing and resource concentrations and gaps in critical infrastructure. Each one of them offers a new argument for more partnerships, stronger growth and realising the promise of technologies. The Indo-Pacific has, in addition, its own particular concerns. This will require enhancing strategic confidence, ensuring maritime security, promoting economic choices, and fostering a deeper collaborative ethos. And that is best done by promoting trusted and transparent partnerships," he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar presided over a key Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Delhi today, which was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced a curveball from an American journalist about his recent remarks on India during a press briefing in New Delhi on Sunday, as he stood alongside External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

A reporter raised the issue of Indians facing racism online and referred to a specific social media post involving US President Donald Trump. Rubio responded by saying he did not know who the reporter was referring to and had assumed the question concerned general online content.

Marco Rubio leads US foreign policy as diplomacy on Iran goes down to the wire, but he is also making time for cultural attractions as divergent as the Taj Mahal and the Village People.

Rubio, who serves as President Donald Trump's secretary of state and national security advisor, took a day for sightseeing in India on Monday, touring the Taj Mahal, the renowned monument to love.

"It's one of the wonders of the world," Rubio said of the imposing mausoleum in Agra.

"I think it's important to show respect to the culture of the countries that you visit."

Rubio travelled to the Taj Mahal with his wife Jeanette, who usually shuns the spotlight. He put his arm gently around her as they posed on a bench that featured the iconic shot of Princess Diana in 1992.

Jeanette was not the only person to take pictures with Rubio at the Taj.

He also posed with members of the Village People, the disco group originally associated with the camp New York gay underground but whose cultural meaning has been transformed entirely by Trump after he adopted their song "YMCA".

They flew in to perform Sunday night at a gala party in New Delhi for the 250th anniversary of US independence, where they serenaded Rubio with "Happy Birthday" over a towering four-storey cake. Rubio turns 55 on Thursday.

The party was the brainchild of the US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, a high-octane former aide to Trump, who eagerly joined the Rubios at the Taj Mahal.

Crowds were kept 100 metres away, but the Taj Mahal did not go into a full shutdown as it did for Vice President JD Vance.

The Rubios, joined by Gor and senior aides, later flew to the desert city of Jaipur, where they took open-windowed jeeps up a ragged road to tour the imposing Amber Fort, the former residence of the Rajput maharajas that stares down on a lake.

Rubio was welcomed at the fort by twirling dancers in red turbans pounding drums, to which he gave a fist of approval. 

After a brief tour, he was welcomed at his hotel, a converted palace, by assembled elephants, white horses and camels as peacocks fluttered in the garden.

- AFP

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor shared images from Marco Rubio's visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Leaves Amber Mahal In Jaipur

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday visited the iconic Taj Mahal along with his wife Jeanette Rubio and hailed the monument as one of the treasures of the world.

They spent around one and a half hours at the Taj Mahal and wrote in the visitors' book, "Thank you for allowing us to visit one of the true treasures of the World."

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also accompanied them during the visit.

The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, continues to attract high-profile global leaders and dignitaries visiting India.

Last year, US Vice President JD Vance visited the monument along with his wife, Usha Vance and their children Vivek, Mirabel and Ewan.

Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette D Rubio, are currently touring the Taj Mahal.

Marco Rubio has arrived in Agra for a visit to the Taj Mahal.

Marco Rubio has left Delhi for Uttar Pradesh's Agra to take a tour of the Taj Mahal.

"Tonight in New Delhi, we celebrate a historic milestone - 250 years of American independence! It is a deep and personal honor to host my friends @SecRubio and @DrSJaishankar, along with other distinguished guests, for an evening honoring the spirit of innovation and liberty that defines the United States. Here's to freedom, enduring partnership, and many more years of close friendship between the United States and India!," writes US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

"This visit, Secretary Rubio, your first, highlights the significance of our ties in contemporary times. It focuses on the value of a strong bilateral relationship and the beneficial contribution of the Quad. There are other plurilateral platforms where India and the United States collaborate productively, as indeed we do in multilateral organisations. A year ago, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump set out a pathway for the further development of our enduring partnership. Their goal was to advance the aspirations of our people for a bright and prosperous future while also serving global good. Your visit, Mr Secretary, and this celebration allow us to reaffirm our commitment to that vision," says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

"India can count on me 100%. If they ever need help, they know where to call. They call right here. We're doing well. We're setting records. We have a record economy, a record stock market and anything India wants to get. I am a big fan of Prime Minister Modi. Marco (Rubio) is the greatest. He's going down as the greatest Secretary of State in the history of the US. Say hello to Prime Minister Modi and let him know I'm a big fan," says Donald Trump.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday dialled Sergio Gor and Marco Rubio. During the call, the US President said he loves Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Every time the President (Trump) and I speak, one of the first questions the President will ask is, how is my friend, the Prime Minister (Modi), doing? And that is something that is important to convey because this relationship is not new," says Sergio Gor.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Sunday dialled President Donald Trump during an event at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, which was being attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The event was to celebrate the 250th year of US independence.

Sergio Gor, the United States ambassador to India, turned heads with his India-inspired attire as he attended a high-profile reception at Roosevelt House in New Delhi on Saturday during Marco Rubio's India visit.

Gor was seen dressed in a classic black tuxedo featuring striking gold embroidery on the shoulders. His outfit added a regal touch to the formal diplomatic evening.

India and the US on Sunday sought to signal a reset in their strained ties as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Marco Rubio held frank discussions on thorny issues such as trade, visas, energy security, cross-border terrorism and the implications of the Middle East conflict.

Rubio, who is on a four-day visit to the country, described New Delhi as a major power and dismissed observations that the US-India relationship has lost its two-decade momentum, firmly asserting that the engagement will grow much stronger by the end of the current administration's tenure.

In a clear statement of India's foreign policy priorities, Jaishankar outlined a strategic five-point blueprint for global stability, asserting that India advocates dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts, supports unimpeded maritime commerce, demands respect for international law and is against "weaponisation" of market shares and resources. (PTI)

"India is one of the most important strategic partnerships of the United States in the world," says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday flagged India's concerns with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the Trump administration's changes to visa and immigration policies, saying legal mobility should not be adversely impacted by the new approach.

Rubio acknowledged that there could be "some bumps" and "friction points" in the period of transition as the US is trying to improve the immigration system, but ultimately an "efficient" framework will be helpful to every stakeholder.

"US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Mr. Marco Rubio met NSA Shri Ajit Doval today. The discussions focused on defence, security and strategic technology related cooperation including the TRUST initiative. The two NSAs reiterated the high priority accorded to the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues," says Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday met Natioal Security Adviser Ajit Doval where the both discussed security issues among other things.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said he discussed various aspects of the US-India relationship with the country's Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Jaishankar further said he looked forward to "joining Secretary Rubio and our colleagues from Australia and Japan for the QUAD Foreign Ministers' meeting on Tuesday".

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted to Delhi's extreme heat during his visit to India, saying, "It's hot here," as temperatures in the capital crossed 44 degrees Celsius. His remark came while inaugurating the new US Embassy Support Annex building in Delhi.

Every country has stupid people, a top US diplomat has said, rejecting instances of Indians and Indian Americans facing racist remarks in his country as "dumb" commentary.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks came in response to a question at a press briefing in New Delhi this afternoon. With Foreign Minister S Jaishankar by his side, Rubio said he takes such racist remarks very seriously.

The Congress on Sunday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks that India has committed to purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods over the next five years, alleging that the "compromised PM" was going the extra mile to appease his "good friend".

Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, also asked why the Modi government had not shown the courage to renounce what he termed an "anti-people" and "dangerous" India-US trade deal, as countries such as Malaysia had done.

He also questioned why the Modi government had agreed to record imports from the US when the prime minister had on record asked citizens to cut down on domestic fuel consumption and overseas travel to save foreign exchange.

Will this surge in imports not further cause the rupee to depreciate, he further asked. (PTI)

Ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the national capital on May 26, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted how the Indo-Pacific is set to become a big energy lifeline and that the leaders will have a "good story to tell" after the meeting.

Responding to media queries at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the QUAD grouping, Jaishankar recalled how the forum was commenced in its current form during President Donald Trump's first administration and that the discussions with Secretary Rubio have featured Quad right from the beginning.

"Looking ahead, the Indo-Pacific is going to become more and more important with the passage of time. It will even become a big energy lifeline," he said. (ANI)

"We are hopeful that our trade representative can visit here very soon. We had an Indian delegation in the United States, I believe, last week or the week before. We've made tremendous progress, and I think we're going to wind up with a trade agreement between the United States and India that's going to be enduring and is going to be beneficial to both sides and sustainable in a way that addresses this national interest that we have," says Marco Rubio.

"It is not a system that is targeted at India; it is one that's being applied globally.  But we're in a period of transition, and like any period of transition, there's going to be some bumps on that road. But we think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system, a more efficient system, one that works better than the one that we had in place previously and more sustainable by the way," says Marco Rubio.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said Washington and New Delhi are hopeful of finalising a bilateral trade deal soon.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday described India as one of the few countries with the economic and diplomatic strength to influence global issues.

He said, "There are very few countries in the world who actually have the ability to do something about the big issues on a global scale. There are a handful of countries who have the economic and diplomatic power to be influential on strategic issues from a global perspective, and India is one of them..."

Former diplomat Anil Trigunayat said that the India-US relationship, despite some statements here and there, remains very robust.

Trigunayat, in a conversation with ANI, said that the visit essentially repairs the India relationship and revives the Quad prospects to a great extent.

As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in India for the Quad meeting and strategic consultations, the Trump administration is preparing one of the sharpest reversals of long-standing American immigration policy in decades.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Jaipur on May 25 as part of his India tour, with elaborate preparations underway for his arrival and security arrangements across the city.

This will be Rubio's first visit to Jaipur.

According to the proposed schedule, Rubio will arrive in Jaipur at around 2 pm on May 25 and depart at 6:30 am on May 26.

Referring to the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to India and discussions around India-US strategic cooperation, Himachal Pradesh minister Jagat Singh Negi claimed that the Centre was becoming excessively dependent on American interests.

"The US always works for its own strategic and economic interests. India should protect its sovereignty and independent foreign policy traditions," he said, invoking former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and India's historic non-alignment policy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has introduced an "America First" visa scheduling tool as a broader push to upgrade how American consulates operate. While on his high-profile four-day diplomatic tour to India, Rubio spoke about the visa tool that gives priority to business professionals and people whose travel directly strengthens economic and strategic links with the United States.

India and the US will continue to work closely for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed him on the West Asia crisis and discussed ways to bolster bilateral ties in crucial sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and energy security.

Rubio, who met Modi shortly after landing in New Delhi, invited the prime minister on behalf of President Donald Trump to visit the White House in the "near future", even as the top American diplomat described India as the "cornerstone" of Washington's approach towards the Indo-Pacific.

"Dedicated a new consular wing at our Embassy in New Delhi that will provide the necessary infrastructure for more rigorous vetting, processing, and screening to protect US borders. Every visa decision is a national security decision, and I'm proud to empower the Americans who work here as they serve on the frontlines of advancing our interests and President Trump's America First foreign policy," says Marco Rubio.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting India, also said some progress had been made on Iran and that the US might have "something to say" on the issue in the coming days.

"There's been some progress done, some progress made, even as I speak to you now, there's some work being done. There is a chance that, whether it's later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say," Rubio told reporters in New Delhi.

"In New Delhi, I met with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi to underscore the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed the situation in the Middle East and US-India partnership in energy, securing critical supply chains, and collaboration on emerging technologies. I was pleased to invite Prime Minister Modi to the White House on behalf of the President," writes Marco Rubio in a post on X.

India and the US will continue to work closely for the global good, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed him on the West Asia crisis and bilateral cooperation in defence, strategic technologies, trade and energy security.

Rubio, who met Modi shortly after landing in New Delhi, invited the prime minister on behalf of President Donald Trump to visit the White House in the "near future," according to US Ambassador Sergio Gor.

"There's been some progress made. Even as I speak to you now, there's some work being done. This issue needs to be solved, as the President said one way or the other. Iran can never have nuclear weapons.  The straits need to be opened without tolls. They need to turn over their enriched Iranian, they need to turn over the highly enriched uranium," says Marco Rubio.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was a chance Iran would accept a deal to end the Middle East war as soon as Saturday.

"There is a chance that, whether it's later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say," Rubio told reporters in New Delhi, adding he hoped for "good news". (AFP)

The US' new policy that makes it a must for many immigrants already living legally in the country to leave and apply for permanent residency - or green card - from abroad is not something directed only at India, but applicable for everyone, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NDTV today.

"We hope to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi at G20 next month, and at G7 as well," Marco Rubio tells NDTV. The United States is hosting the G20 Summit in June in Miami.

The US government has issued a new policy meme that fundamentally changes how foreign nationals on temporary visas can apply for permanent residency or a Green Card. Under the new rules, most people must return to their home country to apply, rather than doing so from within the United States. Read more here

"Our country faced a very serious migratory crisis a few years ago. About 20 million people illegally entered the country and we saw abuse of the green card system. So we decided we are going to reform it," Marco Rubio tells NDTV.

Speaking about new US Green Card rules, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NDTV, "United States has taken the decision to streamline our immigration system."

"Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. The Strait of Hormuz cannot be closed. It is illgal, unlawful for a country to take international waterways and turn it into theirs and charge a toll, which is what Iran is trying to do," Marco Rubio Tells NDTV.

Speaking on Iran and whether fresh strikes are imminent in the country, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the conflict cannot be a "status quo."

He said that the US "prefers" to solve the Iran war with diplomacy, but it will be solved "one way or the other".

Talking about the latest restrictions on US visa for Indians, US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio told NDTV that the issue was not just about India but the whole world.

"We're introducing a new America First visa schedule that prioritises business professionals that strengthen these ties. But the facility, as I said, is not just for those who are applying for visas. It's also for you, the Americans who work here, the men and women of this mission, who are at the front lines every single day of advancing America's national interest and America's national security. This facility saved Americans money because it's going to make us more efficient. It's going to allow us to do the work we have to do anyways, but allow us to do it more accurately, faster, and in a more efficient way," says Marco Rubio.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday said the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump is "personal".

"It dates back to the first administration when the President had a chance to visit here and it has carried over into the second administration. You can just see the connection between them," Rubio said.

Talking about the commercial ties between India and the US, Marco Rubio said,  "We've expanded commercial ties with more than $20 billion in investments from the Indian companies in the United States."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the "sustained progress" in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated on Saturday.

"The relationship between our two countries is at the cornerstone of our approach to the Indo-Pacific...My very first meeting officially as Secretary of State was a meeting of the Quad... We wanted to do it here, not just because of our commitment to that structure of work, but also as a tangible sign of what an important role India plays in the United States and in our posture and in our approach to the Indo-Pacific," says Marco Rubio.

In an address today at the US Embassy in New Delhi on Saturday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the ties between his country and India were deepening.

In a press release, the Prime Minister's Office on Saturday said that PM Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's support to peace, and called for peaceful resolution through dialogue regarding the ongoing conflicts around the world, including the one in the Middle East involving Iran and the US.

"Prime Minister requested Secretary Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to their continued exchanges," the statement read.

"Secretary Rubio briefed Prime Minister on the sustained progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence, strategic technologies, trade and investment, energy security, connectivity, education and people-to-people ties. Secretary Rubio shared US perspective on various regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia," the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release.

As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in India for the Quad meeting and strategic consultations, the Trump administration is preparing one of the sharpest reversals of long-standing American immigration policy in decades.

"Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good," says PM Modi after meeting the top diplomat.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of US President Donald Trump.

"Great to join @SecRubio for a meeting with Prime Minister @narendramodi. We had a productive discussion on ways to deepen US-India cooperation across security, trade, and critical technologies - areas that strengthen both our nations and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is a vital partner to the United States," says US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio's meeting on Sunday ended after over an hour. Rubio's convoy was seen leaving from Sewa Teerth as the meeting concluded.

"Warmly welcome Secretary of State Marco Rubio @SecRubio of the USA to New Delhi. His visit will add further strength to India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," says Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The diplomat also shared a photo of him with the US Secretary of State.

The meeting of Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Modi is still underway at 'Sewa Teerth' (the PMO). It's been over an hour now.

Marco Rubio has reached the Prime Minister's Office to meet PM Modi.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has landed in Delhi after his visit to Kolkata earlier today. He is now scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the afternoon.

Marco Rubio has said it was an "honour" to visit the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata.

"Mother Teresa left a tremendous legacy of compassion and service. I was honored to visit the Missionaries of Charity today to pay homage to her legacy and to see the living example of the Catholic faith in action," the top US diplomat wrote on X.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor said that Marco Rubio visiting Mother House, the headquarters of Saint Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, highlights the "shared values" of US-India ties.

"Moments like these remind us the U.S.-India partnership rests not only on strong policies, but also on shared values and the spirit of selfless service that transcends borders," he posted on X.

Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette D Rubio, have concluded their Kolkata visit and are now headed to Delhi.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife visited Nirmala Shishu Bhavan Missionaries Of Charity in Kolkata.

Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette D Rubio, visited the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and spoke with its officials.

The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa in Kolkata, is a Catholic congregation dedicated to serving the poor, sick and destitute across the world.

Rubio's arrival in the eastern metropolis ended a 14-year gap since a US secretary of state last visited the city.

India continues to purchase large volumes of discounted Russian oil, but the US is looking to expand its footprint in India's energy market through LNG and crude exports.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor has said that it was an "honour" to receive his "friend" Marco Rubio in Kolkata.

"We have an ambitious agenda ahead, including the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, focused on advancing Donald Trump's vision for an even stronger U.S.-India partnership. Looking forward to great conversations and making real progress together," he wrote on X.

Rubio will begin his India visit by participating in a tour of Mother House in Kolkata around 8:15 am. He will then visit Children's Home in the city at around 9:25 am.

Rubio is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today, US Ambassador Sergio Gor has said.

Marco Rubio is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday. The top US diplomat will also attend a meeting of the Quad foreign ministers in Delhi on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Kolkata this morning to begin his four-day India visit, his first trip to the country since taking office last year.