Why is Marco Rubio skipping Delhi for Mumbai and Reliance hub Jamnagar? What it signals about India-US ties under Trump

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's upcoming visit to India is generating discussion due to his itinerary focused on Mumbai and Jamnagar instead of New Delhi. This decision has raised questions about the purpose of his visit and its implications for India-US relations under President Donald Trump. Rubio will be in India from October 18 to 22, following a trip to Uzbekistan.

The State Department claims the visit aims to strengthen the strategic partnership, discuss regional and global issues, and explore energy cooperation. This is Rubio's second trip to India this year, after attending a Quad foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi in May. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Jaishankar will meet Rubio in Mumbai on October 20.

The US Ambassador to India also noted that the trip will have a stronger business focus, with Rubio meeting government officials in Mumbai and representatives of Reliance Industries in Jamnagar. This itinerary is unusual as official bilateral talks with a visiting US secretary of state typically take place in New Delhi. Mumbai, India's financial hub, and Jamnagar, home to Reliance Industries' refining complex, provide access to corporate leaders and financial institutions.

Critics argue that this arrangement deviates from established diplomatic practices. Former diplomat Suresh K Goel described the meeting as unusual and unusual, highlighting that official engagements are normally coordinated through established channels. The government has defended this decision, stating that hosting foreign dignitaries in non-capital cities is not uncommon, particularly for business engagements.

Despite the controversy, Rubio's visit is seen as significant as it occurs at a critical time for India-US relations, marked by trade disagreements and energy policy differences. Goel emphasized the importance of the relationship, citing areas of cooperation such as IT, defence, and technology.