MEA Confirms Jaishankar-Rubio Talks in Mumbai
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20, following political criticism over the venue and the way the engagement was first publicly discussed.
Jaishankar to meet Rubio in Mumbai
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has regularly hosted foreign dignitaries in different cities over the past decade and rejected suggestions that holding the meeting in Mumbai was unusual.
Jaishankar is also scheduled to host UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai on October 19 and 20.
Rubio’s India visit is expected to focus on the India-US strategic partnership, regional and global developments, energy cooperation and investment.
Rahul Gandhi targets government over announcement
The clarification came after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the government over the planned meeting.
His remarks followed comments by US Ambassador Sergio Gor, who had said that Rubio would meet senior Indian officials in Mumbai and that Jaishankar was expected to be present.
Gandhi subsequently accused the government of confusion over the engagement and used the phrase “Rubio has summoned his employee to Mumbai” while targeting PM Modi and the External Affairs Ministry.
MEA defends diplomatic practice
The MEA rejected that interpretation and stressed that meetings with visiting foreign dignitaries outside New Delhi are an established diplomatic practice.
Rubio is scheduled to travel to India as part of a wider regional visit that also includes Uzbekistan. His India programme includes Mumbai and Jamnagar.
