Govt Dismisses Opposition Claims on Jaishankar-Rubio Meet, Cites Precedent for Out-of-Delhi Engagements
NEW DELHI: The Union government has firmly rejected criticism from opposition ranks regarding External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s upcoming meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai. Addressing concerns raised by the Congress party—which characterized the scheduled encounter as the minister being “summoned”—the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that hosting foreign dignitaries outside the national capital is a well-established practice aimed at showcasing India’s regional diversity and economic hubs.
Defending Diplomatic Protocol
The controversy gained traction following remarks by US Ambassador Sergio Gor, which led opposition leaders to question why the Indian External Affairs Minister would travel to meet a foreign counterpart rather than hosting them in Delhi. However, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed these accusations head-on, labeling them baseless.
“It is the established practice over the last decade to host foreign dignitaries from time to time in various cities of India,” Jaiswal stated during a press briefing. He pointed to several high-profile precedents to underscore the policy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reception of the Spanish Prime Minister in Vadodara, Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius in Varanasi. Jaiswal further noted that the EAM has previously facilitated diplomatic engagements in diverse locations, such as the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Goa and the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar.
The ministry clarified that Jaishankar’s presence in Mumbai is part of a broader diplomatic schedule. Alongside his engagement with Secretary Rubio on October 20, the minister is set to host his UAE counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Mumbai just a day earlier. Additionally, Jaishankar is slated to serve as the guest of honor at celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
A Strategic Partnership in Focus
Beyond the logistical debates, the upcoming meeting with Secretary Rubio is viewed by the government as a pivotal moment for the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both sides are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, focusing on high-growth sectors such as energy security, trade, and defense cooperation.
Critical and emerging technologies remain a cornerstone of this dialogue. Discussions will likely delve into how both nations can align their policies to foster mutual innovation and industrial resilience. “The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments,” Jaiswal added. “The visit will provide an opportunity to sustain the high-level engagement between the two countries and advance our shared priorities.”
Deepening Ties with the Gulf
In a busy week of international diplomacy, EAM Jaishankar’s schedule also reflects India’s strengthening ties with the Middle East. Following a productive session with UAE officials earlier in the week, Jaishankar is set to hold a follow-up meeting with Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday.
These discussions are centered on the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with an emphasis on energy, fintech, and regional stability. Specifically, the ministers have engaged in detailed conversations regarding the volatile situation in West Asia and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Jaishankar noted on social media that the discussions were held in the spirit of their deepening bilateral alliance, highlighting the importance of constant, high-level communication in navigating current global security challenges.
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