In a significant development aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, the United States has introduced a new “America First” visa schedule. The policy update was announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his official four-day visit to India. The new schedule is specifically designed to prioritise business professionals who play a key role in fortifying trade and strategic connections between the two nations.

Speaking about the initiative in the national capital, the top US diplomat clarified that the updated framework will not only assist visa applicants but will also significantly enhance operational productivity for the diplomatic mission. “We’re introducing a new America First visa schedule that prioritises business professionals that strengthen these ties,” Rubio stated. He added that the arrangement will enable the system to process applications with greater accuracy, speed, and efficiency.

Focus on Indo-Pacific and regional security

The announcement coincided with high-level discussions between the visiting diplomat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, which lasted for over an hour, covered critical areas of bilateral interest, including trade, energy security, strategic technologies, defence cooperation, and the ongoing West Asia crisis. During the interaction, Rubio extended an official invitation from US President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the White House in the near future.

The US Secretary of State described the partnership between New Delhi and Washington as a foundational cornerstone of America’s overarching strategy for the Indo-Pacific region. Highlighting India’s central role, Rubio noted that his very first official engagement upon taking office was a meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), emphasizing that hosting the upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting in India acts as a tangible sign of the deep commitment to this framework.

Clarification on immigration rules

Addressing separate concerns regarding recent shifts in American immigration policies, the top diplomat provided a crucial clarification regarding the new guidelines for permanent residency. Media reports had previously highlighted anxieties surrounding a newly instituted rule that requires many legal immigrants to exit the US and apply for green cards from their home countries.

Rubio explicitly stated to the media that these measures are universal regulatory updates rather than policy shifts targeted at any specific nation. He reassured that the rule is applicable globally to all international applicants and is not directed exclusively at Indian citizens.

The visit marks Rubio’s first official trip to India since assuming office. His comprehensive itinerary began in Kolkata and includes a scheduled bilateral dialogue with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, alongside participation in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting alongside international counterparts.

Consumers across the country will face higher transport costs as domestic fuel prices were increased again on Saturday, marking the third revision within a ten-day window. State-owned oil companies have implemented a calibrated upward revision to pass on the rising costs of global energy, which have remained elevated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

With the latest adjustment, petrol prices went up by 87 paise per litre, while diesel rates rose by 91 paise per litre in the national capital. This series of revisions began on May 15, accumulatively raising the retail fuel prices by nearly Rs 5 per litre over the last ten days.

Revised fuel rates across major metropolitan cities

Following Saturday’s market adjustment, the retail selling prices for fuel have shifted across major consumer hubs. In Delhi, petrol now retails at Rs 99.51 per litre, while diesel stands at Rs 92.49 per litre.

Other major metropolitan cities saw parallel increases based on local taxation and transport variables:

• Kolkata: Petrol jumped by 94 paise to retail at Rs 110.64 per litre, while diesel increased by 95 paise to hit Rs 97.02 per litre.
• Mumbai: Retail petrol increased by 90 paise to reach Rs 108.49 per litre, and diesel climbed by 94 paise to sell at Rs 95.02 per litre.
• Chennai: Petrol prices rose by 82 paise to Rs 105.31 per litre, whereas diesel increased by 87 paise to cost Rs 96.98 per litre.

Additionally, the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was increased by Rs 1 per kilogram in Delhi, taking its retail cost to Rs 81.09 per kilogram in the National Capital Region.

Gradual pass-through of global market pressures

The continuous upward adjustment follows a multi-week period of escalating crude prices. Before the latest weekend adjustment, fuel rates had already been raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15, which was quickly followed by a 90 paise per litre hike on May 19.

Media sources close to government channels stated that the domestic oil market had previously received significant cushioning during high crude price cycles. During the height of the Hormuz supply crisis, the central administration indirectly absorbed price differences reaching up to Rs 24 per litre on petrol and Rs 30 per litre on diesel to shield consumers.

Financial data indicates that public sector oil marketing companies faced severe economic pressure during past stabilizing measures. Between 2021 and 2024, oil firms recorded collective losses of approximately Rs 24,500 crore. Furthermore, an economic burden of nearly Rs 40,000 crore was absorbed during the 2024-25 fiscal year specifically to keep liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rates steady for retail consumers. The current staggered price hikes reflect a balancing act between protecting public fiscal healthcare and managing macro-level inflationary pressures.

Providing a much-needed break from days of relentless summer heat, parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced sudden rain and thunderstorms. The change in weather conditions brought localized showers along with gusty winds, helping to pull down maximum temperatures slightly across the region.

Prior to the rainfall, the national capital had been witnessing intense heatwave conditions, with daytime temperatures pushing well above normal limits over the past week. The abrupt atmospheric activity turned skies dark in several areas, triggering intense winds followed by downpours that allowed residents some respite from the punishing heat.

According to updates from media, weather forecasting systems had anticipated a shift in the regional atmospheric patterns due to incoming disturbances. The resulting storm activity managed to cool down the parched streets of the city within a short span, though surrounding plains continue to grapple with high early-summer temperatures.

Local weather departments have indicated that while the showers have provided immediate relief from the sweltering conditions, marginal drops in the daytime mercury are likely to keep the intense summer heat in check for the next 24 to 48 hours. However, standard warnings remain in place regarding localized traffic disruptions or strong winds associated with such sudden thunderstorm activities.