‘Potential to diversify’: US state secretary Rubio pushes for US energy supplies to India in meeting with PM Modi

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised Washington’s intent to prevent geopolitical disruptions from distorting global energy markets, as tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to affect oil supply routes and pricing dynamics.During discussions on energy security, Rubio’s office, quoted by Reuters, stressed that the US sees energy exports as a key instrument in strengthening partnerships, particularly with India, which remains a major crude importer navigating supply diversification challenges.In that context, Rubio said, “US energy products have the potential to diversify India’s energy supply.” He also emphasized a broader US position on global energy stability amid the Iran-related crisis, with his office adding, “the United States will not let Iran hold the global energy market hostage.”The remarks come as the Iran war has disrupted global energy flows and contributed to volatility in oil markets, complicating efforts by Washington to reduce India’s reliance on Russian crude imports. The instability has added a new layer of complexity to US energy diplomacy in Asia, where supply security has become increasingly central to strategic engagement.Officials indicated that the ripple effects of the conflict have not only impacted global pricing but also slowed parts of Washington’s broader effort to realign energy trade flows away from sanctioned or high-risk suppliers.Rubio’s comments were made alongside broader engagement in New Delhi, where he met Indian leadership to discuss energy cooperation, trade expansion under the “Mission 500” framework, and Indo-Pacific strategic alignment through the Quad.In earlier public remarks, Rubio had also signalled a more aggressive US commercial energy posture toward India, saying, “We want to sell them as much energy as they’ll buy.”Separately, he reiterated India’s importance in Washington’s strategic outlook, describing it as a key partner in shaping long-term regional stability while the US continues to manage the economic and geopolitical spillovers of the Iran conflict.