US Secretary of State Rubio to Visit Sweden and India

In a written statement by US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the program for Secretary Marco Rubio's diplomatic engagements from May 22-26 was shared. According to the statement, Rubio will attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held in Helsingborg, Sweden, on May 22. It was noted that Rubio will raise the necessity of increasing defense investments and burden-sharing within the alliance at this meeting.

As part of his program in Sweden, Rubio will also meet with his counterparts from the 'Arctic Seven' countries to discuss common economic and security interests in the Arctic, as well as the strategic situation in the 'High North' region. Rubio is also reported to hold bilateral meetings with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Following his European engagements, Rubio will proceed to India from May 23-26, visiting the cities of Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. The statement noted that in his meetings with senior Indian officials, issues of energy security, trade, and defense cooperation will be discussed.