Rahul Gandhi criticizes government over Marco Rubio's Mumbai visit

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Indian government on Friday over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's upcoming visit to Mumbai, alleging that external affairs ministry officials are "confused" about the situation. He posted on X that Rubio had "summoned his employee" and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the matter. Gandhi's remarks referenced US Ambassador Sergio Gor's statement that Rubio would meet Indian officials in Mumbai, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Congress leader Pawan Khera echoed the criticism, saying the ambassador confirmed Rubio was skipping Delhi and had "summoned EAM to Mumbai instead," calling it a new low. This will be Rubio's second visit to India this year, following a May trip where he met Modi and Jaishankar. He is expected to arrive in Mumbai on October 18 to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership, discuss regional dynamics and energy cooperation, and meet business leaders, amid strained bilateral relations.