US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Jaipur on May 25
Jaipur, May 23
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Jaipur on May 25 as part of his India tour, with elaborate preparations underway for his arrival and security arrangements across the city.
This will be Rubio's first visit to Jaipur.
According to the proposed schedule, Rubio will arrive in Jaipur at around 2 p.m. on May 25 and depart at 6.30 a.m. on May 26.
During his visit, he is expected to tour Amer Fort.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari is scheduled to welcome Rubio at Amer Fort, where he is expected to arrive at around 3 p.m.
Preparations for a ceremonial reception have already begun at Jaleb Chowk inside the historic fort complex.
Folk artists and cultural troupes are being mobilised to showcase Rajasthan's traditional heritage and cultural performances as part of the welcome ceremony.
In view of the high-profile visit, the Jaipur district administration, police and security agencies have been placed on high alert.
Officials have started inspections of travel routes, event venues and accommodation facilities linked to the visit.
Security agencies are maintaining close surveillance at hotels, tourist sites and locations earmarked for VVIP movement.
A detailed traffic and crowd management plan is also being prepared to ensure smooth movement and avoid disruptions during Rubio's stay.
Civic agencies have intensified cleanliness drives, lighting arrangements and beautification work at major tourist sites, particularly Amer Palace, ahead of the visit.
Rubio is currently on a four-day India visit from May 23 to 26, covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi.
The visit is focused on strengthening cooperation between India and the United States in areas such as trade, defence, energy and strategic affairs.
He is also expected to participate in high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements during his India tour, including discussions related to regional and strategic cooperation.
Officials said administrative departments had been instructed to ensure seamless arrangements and prevent any disruption during the US Secretary of State's Jaipur visit.
It may be recalled that last year, from April 21 to 24, US Vice President J.D. Vance visited Jaipur with his family.
During the visit, he toured several tourist attractions, including Amer Fort, and also addressed an event in the city.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Another VVIP visit means more traffic jams and security checks for common citizens. 😅 But honestly, if it helps boost tourism and economy, I guess we can manage a day of disruption. Hope the beauty of Jaipur leaves a lasting impression on Mr. Rubio!
Good to see Jaipur getting international attention. But I hope the focus isn't just on photo-ops at Amer Fort. Our real strength is in IT, pharma, and space research. Would be better if Rubio also visited a tech park or startup hub in Jaipur.
Remember J.D. Vance's visit last year? That was a family tour, this one seems more diplomatic. I hope our government also presses important issues like visas for Indian students and H1B workers. Cultural diplomacy is fine, but we need concrete outcomes!
Folk artists and cultural troupes being mobilised - that's excellent! Our traditional art forms need global exposure. But I hope the performers are paid fairly and not just used for show. Tourism department should ensure they get proper recognition and compensation.
As someone of Indian origin living in the US, this makes me proud. The growing strategic partnership is vital for both democracies. Hope Rubio gets to experience the warmth of Rajasthan hospitality and realises why India is a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.