Rahul Gandhi questions Modi over Rubio’s Mumbai visit (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Mumbai, alleging confusion within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the developments.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha took a swipe at PM Modi, suggesting that the prime minister explain why Indian officials appeared unclear about the visit and the expected diplomatic engagements.
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“Mr Rubio has summoned his employee to Mumbai. Modi ji, your officials in the external affairs ministry are confused about what's going on. You might want to explain. Unless, of course, you want me to,” Rahul posted on X.
Mr Rubio has summoned his employee to Mumbai.
Modi ji, your officials in the External Affairs Ministry are confused about what's going on.
You might want to explain.
Unless, of course, you want me to.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 16, 2026
His remarks came a day after the Congress questioned the Centre’s silence on Rubio’s visit, particularly after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said American officials expected External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to meet Rubio in Mumbai.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh described the ambassador’s statement as “extraordinary”, questioning why details of the external affairs minister’s engagements in India were being disclosed by a US official rather than the MEA.
“Why is the MEA silent on the external affairs minister's tryst with Mr Rubio in Mumbai?” Ramesh asked, adding that India was learning about the developments from the US ambassador.
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The Congress has sought clarity on the government’s communication regarding the visit, arguing that details of the foreign minister’s official engagements should ordinarily be announced by the Indian ministry concerned.
The US State Department announced on Tuesday that Rubio would visit India from October 17 to 22 to strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries.
As part of his itinerary, Rubio is scheduled to travel to Mumbai and Jamnagar after visiting Samarkand in Uzbekistan.
The visit comes amid questions from the Opposition over the expected meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar and the lack of a public announcement from the MEA regarding the engagement.
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Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have added to the Congress’s criticism of the Centre, with the party seeking an explanation from the government over the handling of communications surrounding the US secretary of state’s visit.
