UPDATED: Oct 20, 2026 17:48 IST
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai for high-level bilateral discussions. The meeting, which lasted over 30 minutes, focused on advancing the strategic partnership between India and the United States across energy, trade, investment, defence, and critical technologies. Rubio highlighted that India is the world's most populous nation, largest democracy, and an important commercial and Quad partner. Addressing bilateral negotiations, he expressed optimism that a trade deal could be finalised shortly, with only a small number of items remaining to wrap up. Rubio also paid tribute to the 26/11 terror victims ahead of the talks, which come amid background frictions over visa restrictions and tariff issues.
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Mann Slams Shah Over Kandla Port Drugs, BSF Border Checks and Haryana Gangsters
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. The remarks came as Amit Shah arrived in Punjab to campaign and meet families affected by drug-related incidents. Editors highlighted that the narcotics menace has evolved into a central political issue across party lines ahead of upcoming elections.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Punjab to meet the families of victims affected by the drug menace, including the kin of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, who was shot dead while confronting a chemist shop owner on camera. Shah's itinerary included meetings across Sangrur, Gurdaspur, Mansa, and Ludhiana to assure families of stringent action against offenders. The outreach triggered a political showdown with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, whose administration defended its record while countering allegations regarding law and order.
India-US Ties, Trade and Russian Oil Under Focus as Bilateral Talks Progress
Discussions between India and the United States highlight key bilateral matters, including trade, investments, and energy ties. Russian oil purchases by India and plans concerning an oil refinery setup in Texas are key subjects on the agenda. The conversation addresses how India maintains its strategic autonomy as a decision-making authority without external dictation, particularly regarding steadfast diplomatic ties with Russia amid evolving Western and European perspectives. The dialogue also touches upon political dynamics in Washington, including the impact of upcoming US midterm elections on governance, executive orders, and foreign policy directions. Additionally, visuals featured External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar alongside US leader Marco Rubio, reflecting cordial bilateral interactions ahead of scheduled visits to Jamnagar.
Amit Shah Visits Punjab, Meets Families of Anti-Drug Activists Amid Outcry Over Law & Order
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Punjab to meet families of anti-drug activists who were attacked or killed while confronting the state's pervasive drug nexus. Shah visited locations including Gurdaspur, Sangrur, and Mansa, where he met Bhim Singh, the father of slain activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Jhota was shot dead after confronting a chemist allegedly dealing in illicit narcotics. The visit sparked sharp focus on the state's law and order situation, cross-border smuggling via drones, and systemic police-political nexus in drug distribution. Residents in Mansa voiced severe frustration over widespread drug peddling and administrative lapses. Following mounting public pressure and the Home Minister's visit, the murder investigation was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation with state government approval.