Trump likely to visit India early next year, says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is seeking to arrange a visit to India ​by President Donald Trump early next year as the ‌countries work on a bilateral trade deal, Indian media outlet IANS reported on Saturday. Rubio is likely to travel to India this ​year to prepare for the president’s visit, ​he told IANS in an interview. “We’re working towards ⁠sometime early next year to have the president come, ” ​Rubio said, according to IANS. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Trump ​last week on the sidelines of a summit of the Group of Seven industrial powers in France. Trump said that they ​had a “very good” conversation. India has been pressing the United ​States for months for a Trump visit, potentially as part of ‌a ⁠meeting including Japan and Australia. India-US ties have been rocky over the past year since Washington imposed high tariffs on Indian goods, punishing New Delhi for purchasing Russian ​oil, and ​engaging closely with ⁠India’s arch-rival, Pakistan. Rubio visited India last month seeking to repair ties, but the killing ​of three Indian sailors in attacks on ​commercial ships ⁠by the US Navy in the Gulf has roiled relations again. In the IANS interview, Rubio said the US ⁠hoped ​to conclude a trade deal with India. “We’re ​on the last inches of getting it done, and it’s very ​positive. ”

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