Congress Questions Timing of US Foreign Secretary Rubio's India Visit

The Indian National Congress party launched a sharp attack on the government on Friday, questioning the protocol surrounding the announcement of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to India. The opposition pointed out that the US State Department disclosed details of the high-level visit before India's Ministry of External Affairs made any formal announcement, raising concerns about the handling of diplomatic communications.

The MEA subsequently confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will hold bilateral talks with Rubio in Mumbai on October 20. The confirmation came after the American diplomatic establishment had already made the visit public, triggering the Congress's rebuke over what it described as a breach of diplomatic protocol.

The visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington under the new US administration. Rubio's trip underscores the importance both countries place on their bilateral relationship, particularly given India's strategic significance in US foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Congress party's criticism reflects broader concerns within the opposition about the government's management of diplomatic channels and communication protocols. However, the MEA has indicated that preparations for the high-level meeting are proceeding as planned.