Why Marco Rubio's visit is crucial for India: All you need to know

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday, marking the opening leg of his maiden four-day visit to India.

He was welcomed US Ambassador Sergio Gor at the city airport, after which he visited the headquarters of of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa in Kolkata and spoke with its officials.

As he kicks off his four-day visit, let us see why Rubio's visit is crucial for India.

Rubio's arrival in Kolkata ended a 14-year gap since a US secretary of state last visited the city. His visit also comes just weeks after West Bengal witnesses a major political transition with BJP-led government assuming office.

Rubio became the first US secretary of state to visit Kolkata since Hillary Clinton travelled to the city in May 2012.

The energy crisis sparked by the US-Israeli war on Iran has also set back US efforts to wean India off Russian oil. Rubio said on Thursday that energy would be a focus and the US was already in talks to expand its share of India's energy supply.

Ahead of his trip to India, Rubio had called the country a "great ally, great partner". He said the United States will be looking to find ways to sell it more oil.

"We want to sell them as much energy as they'll buy," ⁠he said. "There's a lot to ‌work on with India. They're a great ally, a great partner. We do a lot of good work with them."

India, like many other countries have been rattled by the US-Israeli attack on Iran which retaliated by choking off the strategic Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices soaring.

Rubio's India itinerary, scheduled from May 23 to 26 and also covering Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi, is being viewed as diplomatically significant because of planned energy discussions with India and meetings involving ministers from the Quad nations.

(With inputs from agencies)