US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explored deeper energy cooperation with Reliance Industries as American LPG supplies to India increased sharply and new refinery investment opportunities emerged.
Highlights
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat on October 21.
- The visit focused on expanding energy trade and investment between India and the United States.
- The US share of India’s LPG imports reportedly jumped from below 10% to 67% over the past year.
- US Ambassador Sergio Gor described America as India’s largest LPG supplier.
New Delhi, October 22: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Reliance Industries’ massive oil-refining complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday, October 21, as the United States stepped up efforts to strengthen energy cooperation with India. The visit highlighted Washington’s growing interest in expanding American fuel exports and attracting Indian investment into its energy sector.
Rubio was accompanied by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Merchant were also present during the visit.
The discussions focused on opportunities to deepen bilateral energy ties, particularly in petroleum refining, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies and future investments.
US Becomes India’s Largest LPG Supplier
According to US Ambassador Sergio Gor, the United States has significantly expanded its share of India’s LPG imports over the past year.
Gor said the American share of India’s LPG imports increased from less than 10% to 67%, making the United States the country’s largest LPG supplier.
The sharp increase reflects the growing importance of American energy supplies in India’s import market and indicates stronger commercial ties between the two countries.
India depends on imported energy to meet a substantial part of its domestic requirements. Expanding supply partnerships could help the country diversify its energy sources and strengthen supply security.
Reliance’s Planned US Refinery Investment
Another major focus of Rubio’s visit was Reliance Industries’ planned investment in a new oil refinery in the United States.
In a post on social media platform X, Gor described the proposed project as a significant opportunity to increase American energy production and generate employment.
He said Reliance’s investment could support the development of the first new US oil refinery in 50 years.
The project, if implemented, could become an important example of Indian investment in American energy infrastructure.
Energy Cooperation Gains Importance
Rubio’s visit comes as India and the United States seek to expand their economic and strategic partnership, with energy emerging as an important area of cooperation.
Washington is looking to increase its presence in India’s energy market, while Indian companies are exploring opportunities in American refining and energy infrastructure.
Reliance’s Jamnagar complex, one of the world’s largest oil-refining hubs, plays a major role in India’s petroleum industry and international fuel trade.
The visit signals growing interest in building a stronger energy partnership through increased trade, industrial investment and cooperation in petroleum refining.
