Honoured to visit the Missionaries of Charity today, says Rubio after Kolkata visit, arrives in Delhi

Rubio’s visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone, as he becomes the first US Secretary of State to travel to Kolkata since Hillary Clinton’s visit in May 2012.

A Faith-Driven Start in Kolkata

The top US diplomat began his tour by paying homage to Saint Teresa at the Mother House, the global headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity. Rubio, who also visited the Nirmala Shishu Bhavan children's home, reflected on the profound spiritual and humanitarian impact of the site.

"Mother Teresa left a tremendous legacy of compassion and service," Rubio stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "I was honored to visit the Missionaries of Charity today to pay homage to her legacy and to see the living example of the Catholic faith in action."

Accompanying the Secretary of State was the US Chargé d'Affaires to India, Sergio Gor, who emphasized the deeper cultural ties binding the two nations.

"Moments like these remind us the U.S.-India partnership rests not only on strong policies, but also on shared values and the spirit of selfless service that transcends borders," Gor shared on social media.

What is the Missionaries of Charity?

Founded in 1950 by Mother Teresa (now St. Teresa of Calcutta), the Missionaries of Charity is a Roman Catholic religious congregation established in Kolkata.

The order is globally recognized for its unwavering dedication to serving the "poorest of the poor," providing shelter, medical care, and relief to the sick, destitute, and orphaned across the world.

Diplomatic Agenda: Beyond Kolkata

According to the US Embassy, Rubio’s four-day itinerary (running from May 23 to 26) will also include stops in Agra and Jaipur following his high-level briefings in the capital.

During his meetings with senior Indian officials, the Secretary of State is expected to address critical bilateral pillars, including:

Energy Security: Strengthening supply chains and clean energy transitions.

Trade Relations: Navigating market access and commercial partnerships.

Defense Cooperation: Enhancing Indo-Pacific security alignments.

  Rubio’s visit arrives at a critical juncture for geopolitics in the region. The bilateral relationship has recently faced friction following trade and tariff disputes triggered during the administration of former US President Donald Trump.