“India is a superpower in crude oil refining,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting India.
Marco Rubio, who is on a three-day visit to India aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, arrived at Mumbai airport on Tuesday evening. He was welcomed by Maharashtra Minister for Cultural Affairs, Electronics and Information Technology Ashish Shelar.
Following that, Rubio met with reporters and answered a range of questions they raised. At that time, he said: India is a powerhouse in crude oil refining. India has the capability to refine even heavy crude oil. India has made significant progress in diversifying its oil purchases. This is a wise move.
In the past, Indian companies have also refined difficult crude oil. Likewise, even though a large quantity of crude oil is currently available from Venezuela, we hope they will carry out similar refining. Moreover, they already have a crude oil exploration license in Venezuela for them (Reliance). Through that, they can undertake additional production. There may be some complications, including certain obstacles, in this. A solution will be found.
He said that a U.S. delegation will hold consultations with Reliance regarding oil production in Venezuela.
No change in Ukraine policy...
In response to a question about the United States halting military aid to Ukraine, Rubio said, “There has been no change in the United States’ policy of sharing intelligence with Ukraine and providing military assistance. President Trump has also clearly stated that there has been no change in this policy. Therefore, the reports that have been published on this matter are not accurate.
Many countries have expressed interest in purchasing the missile defense system from the United States. However, the fact that this weapon has not been made available to some countries should not be taken to mean that the United States is refusing to provide it. The United States has to give priority to meeting domestic security needs and the requirements for this missile defense system at American military bases around the world. Therefore, the United States is not deliberately denying this equipment to Ukraine,” he replied. Later, Rubio, who met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, held discussions on bilateral relations.
In a post on its social media page, the U.S. State Department said, “During the talks between Rubio and Jaishankar in Mumbai, energy security, defense cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations were discussed.”
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is visiting India, also took part in this meeting. The member of the U.S. delegation visiting India posted on his social media page that the three foreign ministers discussed regional energy security, strengthening trilateral economic ties, and the security situation in West Asia.
Earlier, Rubio, who visited the Taj memorial with Jaishankar, laid a wreath and paid tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. It is noteworthy that 6 Americans also lost their lives in this terrorist attack.
