Congress leader alleges US secretary bypasses Delhi, calls for Jaishankar's presence in Mumbai

New Delhi, Oct 16 (ANI) – In a statement that has drawn attention from the Indian diaspora, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged on Friday that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is deliberately avoiding a stop in Delhi and has instead “summoned” India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to meet in Mumbai. Khera framed the move as a diplomatic slight, describing it as a “new low” for a foreign government to engage an Indian minister on Indian soil outside the capital.

The claim, originally reported by Desi Talk Chicago, suggests a departure from conventional diplomatic protocol, where foreign envoys typically coordinate visits through New Delhi. While no official confirmation from the U.S. State Department or the Indian Ministry of External Affairs was provided, the allegation underscores the sensitivities surrounding Indo‑U.S. ties, especially for overseas Indians monitoring bilateral relations that affect trade, immigration, and security collaborations.

Analysts note that if substantiated, such an approach could raise questions about the channels of communication in high‑level talks. For the Desi community worldwide, the episode may signal the importance of staying informed about diplomatic shifts that could influence policy decisions impacting diaspora interests.