US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted with surprise to Delhi’s punishing summer heat during his ongoing India visit, admitting that even someone from Miami found the capital’s weather difficult to handle.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new US Embassy Support Annex building in New Delhi, Rubio kept his address short and light-hearted as temperatures in the city soared past 44 degrees Celsius. “It’s an honour to be here today, and I wanted to keep this brief because it’s hot,” he said while addressing attendees at the event.
Rubio, who arrived in India on Saturday as part of a four-day visit, appeared visibly affected by the intense heatwave conditions gripping the national capital.
Rubio compares Delhi heat to Miami weather
NDTV noted that the top US diplomat drew laughter when he compared Delhi’s weather to the tropical climate of Miami, where he is from. Rubio remarked that there is “humid hot” and then there is “this hot,” adding that the evening weather in Delhi felt unusually intense for that time of day.
He jokingly noted that the temperature should have started cooling by then, but the heat remained relentless. Delhi has been experiencing severe heatwave conditions over the past several days, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for the city.
According to the IMD, the minimum temperature in the capital was recorded at 28.4 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was expected to hover around 44 degrees Celsius.
US pushes new visa scheduling system
During his remarks, Rubio also highlighted efforts by the United States to improve visa processing through a newly launched “America First” visa scheduling system. He said the initiative aims to make embassies and consulates more efficient while prioritising applicants whose travel strengthens economic and strategic ties with the US.
Rubio said the new embassy facility would help streamline operations and ultimately save money for American taxpayers by improving efficiency.
The US Secretary of State also praised the growing India-US partnership, pointing to expanding cooperation in trade, investment and security. He noted that Indian companies have invested more than USD 20 billion in the United States.
Rubio’s India visit includes key diplomatic meetings
Rubio began his India visit in Kolkata before travelling to New Delhi. He is also expected to visit Jaipur and Agra during the tour.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rubio reportedly conveyed an invitation from the White House for Modi to visit the United States, according to American officials.
