New Delhi. Political discussion has intensified regarding the visit of US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio to India. After a statement by US Ambassador Sergio Gore, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has sought clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress Foreign Minister S. Questions have also been raised over the Ministry of External Affairs not providing clear information regarding Jaishankar's possible meeting with Rubio in Mumbai.
Rahul Gandhi taunted in his post on social media platform X that the US Secretary of State has called his official to Mumbai. He asked the Prime Minister why only the officials of the Ministry of External Affairs were confused about what was happening.
What did the American Ambassador say?
US Ambassador Sergio Gore had said in the dialogue session of the Bloomberg New Economy Forum held in New Delhi on October 15, 2026 that he hoped that Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will reach Mumbai along with other officials from Delhi and meet Marco Rubio. After his statement, discussion started regarding a possible meeting.
Rubio will be on an official visit to India from October 17 to 22. According to the news, his program includes a visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar in Gujarat. He will also visit the refinery of Reliance Industries in Jamnagar. Quoting sources it has been claimed that he will not go to New Delhi during this visit.
Jairam Ramesh also raised questions
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also sought answers from the government on this issue. He questioned why the information about the meetings of the Foreign Minister of India in the country is being revealed through any other medium instead of the Ministry of External Affairs. He also asked whether the role of official spokesperson of the ministry has been handed over to other people.
Referring to Rubio's statement and the events of May 10, 2025 related to stopping Operation Vermillion, Jairam Ramesh raised questions on the information system of the government. He asked why no clear information has been given by the Ministry of External Affairs on the possible meeting of Rubio and Jaishankar in Mumbai.
At present, official clarification is awaited from the Ministry of External Affairs amid the questions of Congress and the statement of the US Ambassador on this issue.