The United States is pushing to expand energy exports to India as Washington looks to strengthen trade ties and offset supply concerns linked to the war in Iran.

The move comes ahead of a planned visit to India by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

US ambassador to India Sergio Gor said New Delhi was increasingly open to diversifying its energy imports as global supply chains face pressure from instability in the Middle East and the continuing blockade around the Strait of Hormuz.

“India has been receptive to diversification, and what that means is buying more American energy,” Gor told Bloomberg News in a phone interview.

“People have been very receptive to buying from the United States, and we’ve been very happy with that,” he added.

Washington has been seeking to increase overseas demand for American oil and gas exports following disruptions to global energy markets caused by the Iran war.

Concerns over shipping disruptions have raised fears of tighter global energy supplies and higher fuel prices.

Rubio’s upcoming visit is expected to focus on trade, regional security and energy co-operation between the two countries.