Mumbai: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for his second visit to India this year, carrying an itinerary focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. Accompanied by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, the Secretary of State landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and was later seen meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the iconic Gateway of India.
During his stay in the city, Rubio is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Taj Memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, followed immediately by bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the same venue. The talks are expected to focus on deepening strategic partnerships across vital sectors, including defence, security, advanced technology, and critical minerals, amid ongoing efforts to navigate existing diplomatic complexities.
Ambassador Sergio Gor expressed optimism regarding the diplomatic engagement, stating on social media that he anticipated a productive visit aimed at further advancing relations between Washington and New Delhi. Following his meeting with Jaishankar, Rubio's schedule includes attending the Freedom 250 reception hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre.