US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday visited the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) facility at Jamnagar, Gujarat, where the world’s biggest single-site oil refinery operates, after he informed reporters on Tuesday that talks between US officials and the business giant were geared towards finding areas where both could collaborate on energy-related projects.
Marco Rubio was hosted by RIL chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani and executive director Anant Ambani during his tour of the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex and Vantara animal rehabilitation center. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor accompanied him on his visit.
According to a statement released by the United States Department of State, Rubio’s second trip to India this year aimed at strengthening America’s relationship with India in terms of business investments and strategic partnership.
Rubio arrived in Gujarat following his meetings with Gautam Adani, the Chairman of Adani Group and N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons in Mumbai. There was no official comment regarding the nature of these talks by the US Government.
This happened at a time when the Trump Administration faced rising costs of diesel amid the forthcoming US mid-term elections slated for November 3. In preparation for this, President Donald Trump had granted waivers for the lifting of penalties and duties under the Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act days prior to Rubio’s arrival. The president then entered into negotiations with Russia whereby 5 million tons of Russian diesel was made available globally.
