NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India highlights efforts to stabilize relations between Washington and New Delhi. The two countries aim to strengthen strategic and economic ties despite recent trade tensions. Rubio met Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss trade, energy, defense and maritime security. Rubio has expressed optimism about a broader trade deal. His four-day trip also includes talks with officials from the Quad alliance that includes India, Australia and Japan. The visit underscores India’s role as a key partner in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.