Jaishankar defends Mumbai meeting with US envoy Rubio

Jaishankar dismissed criticism surrounding his engagement with Rubio, asserting that diplomatic meetings held outside Delhi should not be construed as evidence of pressure or subordination from Washington. The External Affairs Minister reiterated his position that such venues for high-level talks are entirely routine in international diplomacy.

"Why should meetings held outside the national capital be viewed as a sign that a leader had been summoned?" Jaishankar asked, addressing the controversy that had surrounded the Mumbai interaction. He emphasized that bilateral engagements frequently take place in various locations based on convenience, scheduling, and mutual agreement between nations.

The minister's comments come as India and the United States continue to strengthen their strategic partnership across multiple domains. Jaishankar's clarification underscores New Delhi's commitment to managing its relations with Washington on an equal footing, with the timing and location of ministerial meetings determined by diplomatic protocols rather than hierarchical considerations.

The Mumbai meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio focused on strengthening bilateral ties and coordinating on regional security issues. Both nations have emphasized the importance of their partnership in addressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.