US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar facilities in Gujarat on Wednesday, highlighting growing energy and investment ties between India and the United States. The complex houses the world’s largest single-site oil refinery and serves as a major hub for Reliance’s energy and advanced manufacturing operations.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who accompanied Rubio during the visit, highlighted the significant increase in India’s imports of American liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In a post on X, Gor said the US share of India’s LPG imports had risen from less than 10 per cent to 67 per cent over the preceding year, making the United States India’s largest LPG supplier, according to his statement.
Gor also highlighted Reliance Industries’ planned investment in a new oil refinery in the United States, describing the proposed project as an opportunity to expand American energy production and generate employment.
Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani and Executive Director Anant Ambani welcomed Rubio and Gor to the Jamnagar complex. The delegation toured the refinery to gain an understanding of its scale, advanced technology and integrated operations.
According to a statement issued by Reliance Industries, the visit also included presentations on the company’s New Energy giga-factories, which are being commissioned in phases, and data centres under construction. The presentations showcased Reliance’s investments across conventional energy, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
Mukesh Ambani and Anant Ambani outlined the company’s long-term vision for Jamnagar, highlighting its development into a broader centre for deep technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. The discussions also examined opportunities to strengthen commercial partnerships between Indian and American businesses across the energy and technology sectors.
The exchange covered the changing global energy landscape, the importance of reliable and affordable supplies, technological advancements and the need for resilient supply chains. Both sides discussed investment opportunities that could help meet rising energy demand while supporting industrial growth.
The discussions also explored the growing connection between energy and digital infrastructure. Reliable electricity supplies are becoming increasingly important as data centres expand and demand for digital services rises. Reliance representatives shared their views on potential collaboration with American companies, drawing on complementary capabilities in engineering, technology and advanced manufacturing.
Rubio’s visit to Jamnagar followed his arrival in Mumbai on Tuesday, where he held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The talks focused on the broader India-US strategic partnership and progress in negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.
During his Mumbai engagements, Rubio also paid floral tributes to victims of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed the lives of six American citizens among others.
The Gujarat visit comes amid broader discussions on India’s energy procurement strategy, including its imports of Russian petroleum and the possibility of expanding purchases from the United States. Energy trade has become an important component of the bilateral relationship, with both countries exploring ways to strengthen commercial cooperation and diversify supply chains.
The reported rise in American LPG supplies reflects a significant shift in India’s sourcing of the fuel, although the longer-term implications will depend on market conditions, pricing, infrastructure and the availability of supplies from competing exporters.
Rubio’s visit to Reliance’s Jamnagar facilities underscored the growing importance of energy security, industrial investment and technological collaboration in India-US relations. With both countries seeking new commercial opportunities, cooperation across conventional energy, clean energy and digital infrastructure could become an increasingly important part of their economic partnership.
