A major political showdown erupted in Punjab as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over allegations surrounding the state's drug problem. Mann accused the Centre and Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states of attempting to defame Punjab, questioning why large consignments of narcotics, including seizures of up to 3,000 kilograms, continue to enter through Gujarat's Kandla port.
He also pointed to cross-border drug smuggling and raised questions over the Border Security Force's 50-kilometre operational jurisdiction along the border, which functions under the Union Home Ministry. Mann alleged that Haryana has become a hub for gangsters and that drugs are flowing in through Rajasthan.
Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India, holding bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in Mumbai alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Ambassador Sergio Gor. The high-level meeting addressed critical bilateral relations, strategic cooperation, and diplomatic concerns, including the Lindsey Graham sanctions act and fuel imports.
Rubio highlighted India's stature as the world's most populous nation, largest democracy, and an essential partner across commercial, defence, and Quad initiatives. The dialogue also touched upon progress towards an upcoming trade agreement, with officials indicating that talks are nearing completion.
Beyond diplomatic discussions in Mumbai, Rubio's itinerary included a scheduled visit to Gujarat to inspect the Reliance oil refinery in Jamnagar, underscoring the growing significance of energy security, global fuel supply stability, and mutual investment ties between India and the United States amid ongoing global market challenges.