New policy in works to boost agrivoltaics in India; enhance farmers' income via energy generation
India's government is formulating a policy to enhance the adoption of agrivoltaics across the country. This initiative aims to increase farmers' income by combining agricultural production with solar energy generation. States with significant agrivoltaic potential include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, accounting for nearly half of India's cropland suitable for this practice.
Tiger Shroff seen without bandages in new pics after firing incident
Bollywood star Tiger Shroff appears to be recovering following the firing incident in Mumbai. Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar recently shared photographs of the actor without any visible bandages, offering fans a glimpse of him after the attack.
Exclusive: Tukaram Mundhe Reveals How His Department Tracks Unsafe Food And Identifies The Culprits
In an exclusive interview with NDTV Food, Maharashtra Food Chief Tukaram Mundhe explains how the authority traces adulterated products through the supply chain and takes action to prevent further exposure.
Drishyam The Conclusion continues to score at the box office despite facing competition from new releases. Today, October 21, it is set to cross the Rs. 350 crores mark, a remarkable achievement for a thriller. Interestingly, the talented actor has delivered five major successes in the post-pandemic era, and all of them have either been remakes or belonged to established franchises. His first hit in the post-pandemic era was Drishyam 2 (2022). It opened at Rs. 15.38 crores, surprising the trade and industry, especially since the first part wasn't a huge theatrical success. However, Drishyam (2015) had attained cult status after a large number of viewers discovered it on television and digital platforms. This helped the sequel take a flying start. Drishyam 2 went on to collect a massive Rs. 240.54 crores in its lifetime. This was followed by Shaitaan (2024), a remake of the Gujarati supernatural thriller Vash (2023). Its gripping trailer had done the trick, helping the film open on a strong note. It ultimately collected Rs. 149.49 crores. A year later, Raid 2 (2025) benefited from the popularity of the first part and its catchy trailer. It was released on May 1, a major holiday in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and opened at Rs. 19.71 crores, exceeding expectations. The film eventually collected Rs. 178.08 crores. Earlier this year, Ajay Devgn's Dhamaal 4 (2026) also opened on an encouraging note. Although it didn't receive favourable reviews from critics, the aam junta accepted the film. As a result, it managed to collect Rs. 163.80 crores. And now, Drishyam The Conclusion has taken Ajay Devgn's box-office success to another level. The film has not only surpassed the lifetime collections of Drishyam 2 but has also emerged as his highest-grossing film ever. Meanwhile, several of his other films failed to make a mark at the ticket window. These include Runway 34 (2022), Maidaan (2024), Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha (2024) and Son Of Sardaar 2 (2025), all of which flopped. He also delivered three average performers Bholaa (2023), Singham Again (2024) and De De Pyaar De 2 (2025). Interestingly, even these three films belonged to the remake or franchise category. The way forward Ajay Devgn's next release is also part of a franchise, arguably his most popular one Golmaal 5. Scheduled to release on January 8, 2027, the Rohit Shetty directorial is expected to be the first major box-office hit of the new year. However, his subsequent film, Ranger (tentative title), is an original project and has generated considerable buzz, thanks to its action genre, jungle setting and the presence of Sanjay Dutt and Tamannaah Bhatia. It could finally break the pattern and become Ajay Devgn's first original, standalone hit in the post-pandemic era. His other upcoming original films, Chauhaan and the supernatural thriller directed by Rohit Jugraj, also look promising and could help change this trend. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Drishyam The Conclusions viral Madira peeke so gaye? actor Ajeet Singh Pallawat was originally supposed to play Draupadi; reveals why makers changed it to Chanakya
CJP's Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka withdraw Delhi HC plea against custody
The plea was taken up after CJP co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka sought an urgent hearing, despite the High Court being closed for the Dussehra break
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Adani, Tata chiefs before Jamnagar visit
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and Tata Sons chief N Chandrasekaran in Mumbai before heading to Jamnagar. His itinerary includes Reliance's giant oil refinery, Vantara and clean energy giga factories, highlighting India-US cooperation in energy and manufacturing
Russia-Ukraine war: Four killed in Russian attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv regions
Four people were killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine, including two in Kyiv and an elderly couple in Kharkiv. Attacks damaged homes, energy facilities and transport infrastructure, prompting emergency power cuts in Kyiv as US envoy Steve Witkoff travelled to Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin
US envoy Steve Witkoff meets Putin in Russia as Trump pushes Ukraine peace deal
US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in St Petersburg to meet Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war after talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders in Oslo. Trump is pressing Kyiv to reach a deal, but Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart on settlement terms as fighting continues
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 21: OPPO has announced the launch of the OPPO F35 Series 5G, bringing its Group Selfie Expert camera experience, everyday-use features and festive purchase benefits to consumers across Pune, South Maharashtra and Goa.
'No moral right to remain in power': Congress targets Modi govt over PM-DAKSH
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the scheme had not been effectively implemented for two years and that funds allocated in previous years had remained unutilised
SC grants 7-day relief to Pinarayi Vijayan, family in CMRL-Exalogic case
A Bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana stayed the investigation into the FIR registered by the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) for seven days, allowing the petitioners to approach the High Court's Division Bench and seek interim relief
Shashi Tharoor on Rahul Gandhis foreign trip: I am not a travel agent
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor declined to comment on Rahul Gandhis latest foreign trip, telling reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, I am not a travel agent. He added that everyone has their own reasons, leaving the Congress leaders travel plans unexplained
Australian lawmaker Helen Haines loses both legs after targeted car attack
Australian lawmaker Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after an alleged targeted car attack near her office in Wangaratta. Her condition is stable. A 43-year-old man faces multiple charges, while police investigate possible motives amid concerns over rising threats against politicians
Accused Held After Teen Girl Assaulted At Garba Pandal
A 17-year-old girl was allegedly dragged out of a garba pandal and assaulted in Palghar, Maharashtra, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old accused.
Video: Marco Rubio arrives in Jamnagar to visit Reliance refinery
Rubio's visit comes a day after he described India as a crude oil refining superpower and called for the country to process more Venezuelan crude oil
Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi meet Vision IAS students over teaching quality, refunds
According to the Congress, students raised concerns about a decline in the quality of teaching and mentorship, along with delays in receiving refunds from the institute's management
Uddhav Thackerays Remarks Ignite Political Tensions in Maharashtra
Uddhav Thackerays comments on Hindutva spark criticism from BJP leader Ram Kadam, escalating political tensions in Maharashtra. Uddhav Thackerays Remarks Ignite Political Tensions in Maharashtra
Delhi High Court to hear plea seeking release of CJP activists Das and Ranka
The Delhi High Court has agreed to urgently hear a plea by Cockroach Janta Party activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka seeking release from custody in the Jantar Mantar trespassing case. Their judicial custody is due to end on October 21
France steps up security as PM meets unions following riots and mass arrests
French PM Sebastien Lecornu has vowed a massive police deployment ahead of fresh protests following violent unrest over rising living costs. Authorities have imposed curfews, arrested suspects and launched investigations, while lawmakers examine possible intelligence and policing failures
Climate change: UN warns world is falling short of Paris Agreement goals
The UN warns global temperatures could rise 2.6C by 2100 even if countries meet their climate pledges, while current policies could lead to 2.8C warming. With emissions near record levels, the report urges urgent cuts ahead of COP31 to limit worsening climate impacts
Two days later, bullet removed from content creator who was shot during attack on Tiger Shroff
Maharashtra CM to Invite President Murmu for Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Kumbh Mela
Maharashtras CM Devendra Fadnavis will meet President Murmu to invite her to the flag hoisting ceremony at the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Maharashtra CM to Invite President Murmu for Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Kumbh Mela
UP Elections 2027: Amit Shah likely to kick-start BJP campaign on October 30
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to attend the BJPs Uttar Pradesh State Executive meeting on October 3031 as the party steps up preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections. The meeting is expected to focus on organisational readiness, election strategy
UGC NET December 2026: Full List Of Maharashtra Exam Centres For Candidates
NTA Exam 2026: While applying for the UGC NET December 2026 exam, candidates have to select any four cities of their choice.
Banned Tobacco Worth Lakhs Seized In Palghar
Police in Palghar, Maharashtra, seized banned tobacco products and pan masala worth Rs 49.24 lakh from a tempo on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. The vehicle's driver was arrested, and a case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Jammu and Kashmir: 17 injured as passenger bus plunges into gorge in Udhampur
At least 17 people were injured after a passenger bus travelling from Pechound to Ramnagar plunged into a deep gorge at Gulli Gala in Udhampur on Wednesday. Eight passengers were critically injured. Local volunteers launched rescue efforts, while Jitendra Singh assured administrative assistance
CBI team reaches Punjabs Mansa to investigate anti-drug activist murder
The CBI team has reached Mansa, Punjab, to investigate the October 13 murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The agency has collected case documents from local police following the state governments decision to transfer the probe amid demands from Jhotas family for an independent investigation
India-US trade deal: Trump says agreement is close, will be 'much different'
Donald Trump expressed confidence that negotiations with New Delhi would lead to an agreement, although he did not disclose the remaining issues or provide a timeline for its conclusion
2 charred bodies found, 6 injured in Mumbai's Sakinaka scrap godown fire
NASA spacecraft detects methane and carbon monoxide in dozens of brown dwarfs
Because they drift independently through the cosmos without a host star, fading slowly into darkness, researchers described them as kind of goth
Amit Shah pays homage to police martyrs at National Police Memorial on Wednesday
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to police martyrs at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on October 21, marking Police Commemoration Day. He also flagged off a motorcycle rally involving around 90 police riders as part of a nationwide anti-drug initiative culminating at Ekta Nagar on October 31
Alzheimers research offers hope as scientists reverse cognitive decline in mice
Focusing on a vital protein known to regulate synaptic plasticity and neuronal health enabled reactivation of dormant neural connections.
Antarctic sea ice decline accelerates after record lows in 2023
That upward trajectory abruptly halted in 2015, followed by significant drops starting in 2016
Iran claims naval mines set two oil tankers ablaze in Strait of Hormuz
Also on Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the country will not let any strike against it go unanswered and will respond with equal or greater force.
India and US review strategic ties as Marco Rubio visits Mumbai
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, the Ministry said in a statement.
Indian travellers face flight disruptions as airlines cancel Gulf service
For Indian travellers headed for the Gulf and Western countries, airline schedules have been disrupted as airlines have cut flights due to security concerns.
Donald Trump urges Zelensky to negotiate peace as Russia advances in Ukraine
Russia's a big machine. They just keep grinding forward, and that's what they've done, Trump said.
Australian MP Helen Haines's condition critical after alleged car-ramming attack
Counter-terrorism authorities are investigating the targeted assault.
Researchers use intense laser pulses to convert plastic into microscopic diamond
Scientists targeted polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with intense laser pulses.
South Korean researchers showcase humanoid robots capable of lifting 20 kg loads
This capability roughly doubles previous benchmarks established by other institutions.
US Defence Secretary visits Israel for talks on Iran amid Middle East tensions
Israels Army Radio reported that the dialogue took place at a military air force base located in Israels southern desert
Before a personal pyre, in Garhwal...
Nothing but admiration for a filmmaker, who switched careers at middle age to tell stories he couldnt have otherwise
Authorities must ensure staircases are completely safe
Good signage and lighting on staircases are a must
Maharashtra: Two students dead, three critical in Palghar motorcycle accident
Midnight Navratri outing turns fatal as five students on a single motorcycle crash into roadside pit in Palghar, claiming two lives
Marco Rubio meets S Jaishankar in Mumbai, pays tribute to 26/11 victims
Mumbai, Oct 20: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai as part of his two-day visit to India, with bilateral ties, trade and energy cooperation expected to figure prominently in discussions, national media reported. Rubio also paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the memorial inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who accompanied him, said the visit honoured the courage of Indian security forces. The United States and India remain resolute in confronting terrorism in all its forms, Gor said in a post on X. Marco Rubio, who also visited the iconic Gateway of India with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, called for more high-level exchanges between the two countries, describing India as a strong strategic partner with close commercial and defence ties. He said India had made substantial progress in diversifying its energy sources and described its efforts to broaden its energy portfolio as a smart thing to do. Rubio said Washington was willing to supply some of India's energy needs and that the two sides had discussed Venezuela and other potential sources. His visit comes as New Delhi and Washington work towards a trade agreement amid differences over tariffs and India's purchases of Russian oil. Rubio is also scheduled to visit Reliance Industries' refinery complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday.
Regime-change clamour fuelled by 'global forces' won't work: RSS chief Bhagwat
Four More Arrested, Including Two Women, in Tiger Shroff Firing Case
The accused were produced before a court, which subsequently permitted Maharashtra Polices CID, Mumbai, to formally arrest them and granted three days transit remand
Diwali sweet sellers face heat over shelf life
New Delhi: How long will a peda stay fresh? For India's mithai makers, the question is becoming a business concern ahead of Diwali as tighter food safety rules in several states require the display of manufacturing and use-by dates even on loose sweets.Watchdog agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among those that have made this mandatory. The directive aims to help consumers assess freshness as inspections have revealed that buyers were not always given clear information about when sweets were made or how long they remained suitable for consumption, the agencies said.Also Read: FSSAI issues notice to Zepto over alleged delivery of expired besanHowever, small and medium-sized manufacturers and sellers said that the frequent inspections and notices have made it difficult for them to operate during the festive season, when sales are at their highest. Determining shelf life for different varieties could mean hiring external agencies, adding to costs and workload during the industry's busiest season, said Firoz H Naqvi, president of the Federation of Sweets and Namkeen Manufacturers.135076403Eye on AdulterationProducts on shelves are replenished many times a day during the busy season, said Naqvi.The Uttar Pradesh Mithai Namkeen Bakery Association recently urged the state food safety department to adopt a what it described as a supportive approach during the festive season, allowing small and medium-sized traditional businesses adequate time, training and technical guidance to formalise such practices.Also Read: Nepal bans import, sales of Indian biscuit Priyagold over food safety violationsFor minor documentation, display, record-keeping or other correctable deficiencies, businesses may kindly be guided and given a reasonable opportunity to rectify them, instead of facing immediate disruption of production or disproportionate action, the grouping wrote to the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) on October 11.Other states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana have also stepped up vigilance against adulteration during festivals and other large gatherings, when demand for sweets, edible oils, dairy products and other food items typically rises.Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has been on a food safety, hygiene and anti-adulteration crusade that has led to widespread action with inspections of restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, dairies, quick-commerce dark stores and manufacturing units.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked states to increase surveillance to prevent the sale of adulterated and counterfeit food items during the festive season. It has also intensified scrutiny of packaged food products, issuing notices to major companies over alleged misleading health and nutritional claims, labelling discrepancies and non-compliance with food regulations.This comes as prices of key ingredients - milk and other dairy products, dry fruits, sugar, gram flour (besan) - have risen to records this year.Impact on marginsThe rising prices of inputs including fuel has had a cascading effect on the end product and will squeeze manufacturers' margins, said Suresh Goel, chief executive officer, Bikanervala Foods.Inspections happen during all festival seasons and so good and hygienic practices have become a part of our processing and packaging systems, he said. Since the Covid pandemic, the industry has aligned itself with health trends with even unorganised players making efforts to adopt best practices, he said.
Eknath Shinde calls 2019 Maha Vikas Aghadi formation Maharashtra
The News Mill
Shiv Sena Targets Maharashtra Government Over Attack on Tiger Shroff, Raises Law and Order Concerns
Shiv Sena criticizes Maharashtra government following the attack on actor Tiger Shroff, questioning law enforcement and safety. Shiv Sena Targets Maharashtra Government Over Attack on Tiger Shroff, Raises Law and Order Concerns
Uddhav Thackeray Challenges Devendra Fadnavis on Lawrence Bishnoi Issue at Dussehra Rally
Uddhav Thackeray criticizes Maharashtras leadership during Dussehra rally, addressing security issues and the Lawrence Bishnoi case. Uddhav Thackeray Challenges Devendra Fadnavis on Lawrence Bishnoi Issue at Dussehra Rally
Assembly elections: CM saysBJP-MGP talks at early stage
NT Reporter Panaji/Ponda Discussions between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) over a possible alliance for the 2027 Goa Assembly elections are at a preliminary stage, with the final decision resting with the central leadership, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the []
Farmers Aid is Our Priority, Claims Anand Dubey Amidst Political Tensions in Maharashtra
Anand Dubey emphasizes the governments commitment to farmers aid while criticizing Uddhav Thackerays political stance. Farmers Aid is Our Priority, Claims Anand Dubey Amidst Political Tensions in Maharashtra
Wont let drought-hit farmers face black Diwali, vows Eknath Shinde
2 ashram school students killed in bike crash after leaving hostel to watch Navratri celebrations
Democracy being undermined, need regime change: Uddhav Thackeray
Tiger Shroffs mother visits injured content creator in hospital, promises financial aide
Four more arrests in Tiger Shroff attack case; woman carried weapon from Delhi to Mumbai
US, India perfectly aligned on issues shaping 21st century: Rubio
Man assaults businessmans wife in bid to snatch chain outside her Powai flat in Mumbai, arrested
Three former owners of bike used in Tiger Shroff firing offence made witnesses
Uddhav Thackeray Targets PM Modi, Eknath Shinde Fires Back Over 'Regime Change' Remark
A political war of words has erupted after Uddhav Thackeray claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's exit was inevitable and could happen as early as April 2027. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hit back, saying the only regime change Thackeray failed to foresee was the rebellion within his own party. The exchange has added fresh fuel to the growing national debate over egime change rhetoric and opposition politics.
'Eknath Shinde Will Be Next Chief Minister': Shiv Sena Minister's Big Pitch
A fresh political buzz has emerged in Maharashtra after a Shiv Sena minister publicly backed Eknath Shinde as the state's next Chief Minister. Claiming that the party survived because of Shinde's leadership, the minister said he should once again lead the state.
Toddlers death in Goregaon building: Murder FIR filed against 10-year-old neighbour
Toddlers death: Murder FIR filed against 10-yr-old neighbour
Raut faces backlash for his learn from Albania remark
Uddhav Thackeray targets BJP-led Centre, Maharashtra govt at Dussehra rally
Addressing a large gathering of party workers, Thackeray said a government should be changed when it stops serving the public interest. He accused the BJP-led Centre of curbing democratic principles and alleged that citizens' basic rights to vote and stage peaceful protests were being taken away
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shindes Dussehra rally focuses on drought relief
Shinde had urged party workers to prioritise assistance to drought-hit families instead of travelling to Mumbai for the rally. He called on them to visit affected households, extend support and help farmers facing difficulties
Bombay HC refuses MTP at 26 weeks, cites lack of medical finding on risk to mother
India does not need unpatriotic youth: Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde
Comparing the global situation with turmoil in countries such as France, Russia-Ukraine and Iran, Munde, daughter of veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister Gopinath Munde, said the country did not need a generation that lacked patriotism, disrespected the nation or engaged in self-destructive behaviour
WATCH | Dussehra 2026: President Murmu highlights Ramayana's message of equality
Extending her festive greetings, she said Dussehra celebrates the victory of righteousness and justice over unrighteousness and injustice. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said Lord Shri Ram is considered the embodiment of righteousness and moral conduct
Ranji Trophy: Bengal Defend 208 to Sink Services
Bengal secured a 60-run victory over Services in a Ranji Trophy Group C match, powered by Pradipta Pramanik's four-wicket haul. Elsewhere, Delhi established a significant lead against Gujarat, while Maharashtra built a massive first-innings advantage over Jharkhand with centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, and Digvijay Patil.
CJP leaders move Delhi HC against extension of judicial custody
The leaders have challenged the October 19 order passed by the Special Executive Magistrate, New Delhi district, in preventive proceedings initiated against them under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
Maulana Siraj Ahmad Khan Urges Dialogue Amid Controversial Statements in Maharashtra
Maulana Siraj Ahmad Khan criticizes controversial remarks and calls for dialogue to address public grievances in Maharashtra. Maulana Siraj Ahmad Khan Urges Dialogue Amid Controversial Statements in Maharashtra
The fire at the Central Ammunition Depot in Pulgaon, Maharashtra, began at about 1.30 a.m. on 31 May 2016. By the time it was out, 16 people were dead: two officers, one jawan and 13 civilian firefighters. The Ministry of Defence
Woman Murdered with Hammer in Minor Dispute; Two Arrested in Maharashtra
A 52-year-old woman was killed with a hammer in Palghar, Maharashtra, following a minor dispute. Two suspects have been arrested. Woman Murdered with Hammer in Minor Dispute; Two Arrested in Maharashtra
The Commission's data showed that Haryana reported the highest number of deaths so far in 2026 at eight, followed by Maharashtra and Delhi with six each
KBCNMU Professor Recruitment 2026
Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon (KBCNMU) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for Professor of Practice posts. The application process will be conducted from 19 October 2026 to 30 October 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit nmu.ac.in.
HM Amit Shah meets family of man allegedly killed for opposing drug trade
The family reportedly handed him a list of demands, including a fair investigation, a government job and financial assistance. The visit is part of Shahs tour of Punjab to meet the families of three individuals whose deaths have drawn attention to the states drug menace
School holiday tomorrow, October 21: Check state-wise list to see if your school is closed
School Holiday Tomorrow, October 21, 2026: Schools across India will follow different schedules amid ongoing Dussehra and Durga Puja vacations. Haryana, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may see continued closures, while schools in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Maharashtra may reopen. Heavy rainfall forecasts could prompt local closures in southern India, subject to official orders.
US Secretary of State Rubio lands in Mumbai for 3-day visit; trade deal, energy in focus
Mumbai/New Delhi, Oct 20: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence and critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis. Rubio's second India visit this year comes amid persistent friction in bilateral ties. During his earlier trip in May, he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, besides attending a Quad foreign ministers' meeting. The visit of the US Secretary of State, who is accompanied by a large business delegation, is likely to focus largely on boosting India-US economic engagement. In their meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon, Jaishankar and Rubio are expected to deliberate on ways to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Welcome to Mumbai, US Secretary of State, on your second visit to India! Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on social media shortly after the top American diplomat landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in India's financial capital. Rubio was received by Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra's Minister of Culture, Electronics, IT and AI, at the airport. The visit provides an opportunity to further advance cooperation across the various pillars of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, Jaiswal said. In addition to his meeting with Jaishankar, Rubio's engagements in Mumbai included laying a wreath at the Taj memorial to honour the victims of the 26/11 terror attack, which claimed the lives of over 160 people, including six US nationals. The top American diplomat will also attend a reception to mark the 250th anniversary of the US' independence. Discussions are expected to cover key areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy, trade and investment, defence, critical and emerging technologies, and other areas of mutual interest, Jaiswal said last week. The two sides are also likely to delve into the proposed bilateral trade deal as well as the situation in West Asia. The visit will provide an opportunity to sustain the high-level engagement between the two countries and advance our shared priorities, Jaiswal had said. Rubio will travel to Jamnagar in Gujarat on Wednesday. Ahead of his visit, Rubio said in Uzbekistan that the US is very close to finalising the trade deal with India. He also suggested that the US waiver on tariffs for buying Russian oil was linked to the decision. Last week, US President Donald Trump suspended certain sanctions against Russia and five of the biggest buyers of Russian oil, including India. We're trying to finalise the trade deal with India right now. We're very close to doing that. So that's one of the things we take into consideration when the President makes a decision about national security waivers and things of that nature, Rubio said. India and the US have been engaged in talks since early 2025 on the proposed trade pact to address tariff friction, eliminate non-tariff barriers, and boost bilateral market access. India is seeking better tariffs than its competitors for its goods in the US market. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said a few days back that the trade talks between the two sides are nearing a landing point. The India-US relations witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India last year and President Trump made assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes of May 2025 that drew sharp reaction from Indian officials. Washington's new immigration policy and its decision to increase the H1B visa fee also contributed to the slide in India-US ties. The ties came under fresh strain after the US decided to restrict a key green-card processing programme for major global and Indian IT firms, including Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro.
