Rex Tillerson to visit India next week

India is looking forward to a visit by United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to New Delhi next week to further strengthen a partnership based on a shared commitment towards a rule-based international order. Tillerson is embarking on a crucial trip to India and Pakistan as part of his week-long five-nation tour that would also take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Switzerland.

In a major boost to India, ahead of his visit, Tillerson said the world needs the US and India to have a strong partnership, referring to China’s unilateral steps in South China Sea. “Secretary Tillerson has made a significant policy statement on India-US relations and its future... We appreciate his positive evaluation of the relationship and share his optimism about its future directions. We look forward to welcoming him in India next week,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Tillerson will meet with senior Indian leaders to discuss further strengthening of strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.