Rubio said the United States was working toward arranging the visit and that he was expected to travel to India later this year to prepare for Trump’s trip.

“We’re working toward sometime early next year to have the president come,” Rubio told IANS, adding that negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement were nearing completion. “We’re on the last inches of getting it done and it’s very positive,” he said.

The proposed visit follows a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in France last week, where Trump described their discussions as “very good.”

India has sought a visit by Trump for several months, with discussions also including the possibility of a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation among Indo-Pacific partners.

Relations between Washington and New Delhi have faced strains over the past year after the United States imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Bilateral ties have also been affected by U.S. engagement with Pakistan, India’s regional rival.

Rubio traveled to India last month in an effort to stabilize relations. However, diplomatic tensions resurfaced after three Indian sailors were killed during attacks on commercial shipping involving U.S. naval operations in the Gulf.

Despite those challenges, officials from both countries have continued negotiations on trade and broader strategic cooperation, with Rubio signaling that progress toward a bilateral agreement remains positive.