New Delhi [India], May 25 (ANI): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday described India as a “key partnership for the 21st century” amid evolving global challenges and opportunities, stating that his four-day visit to the country is intended to further reinforce bilateral ties between the two democracies.
Speaking at the US Embassy in Delhi during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, Rubio underlined the growing strategic convergence between India and the US and said both nations are well-positioned to work together on critical issues shaping the modern global economy.
“We’re also proud because we know that so much of what we’ve achieved in our history has been built in partnership with other countries around the world, with which we share so much. And one of those relationships that I’m so excited about going into the 21st century, given the challenges and the opportunities of this new era, is India,” Rubio said.
He added that India and the US share “values and common interests” and that cooperation between the two countries can contribute to improving lives not only in both nations but globally.
“It’s one of those countries that I know we have this very valuable strategic partnership with, and we share so many values and so many common interests,” Rubio said, adding that his visit was meant to reinforce the importance of sustained engagement between New Delhi and Washington.
Rubio highlighted the scope for collaboration across major sectors of the modern economy, including technology, trade, and innovation.
“If I think about all of the key issues and all of the key opportunities of the modern economy, India and the United States together are perfectly positioned to work together on these issues to achieve a better life for the people of the United States, for the people of India, and frankly for the people of other countries working together as well,” he stated.
Expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended during his visit, Rubio also praised India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, calling him a “truly wise gentleman” and describing him as “phenomenal” in his role.
The event also featured a performance by Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman, with his anthem “Jai Ho” emerging as a highlight of the evening. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor was also present at the reception.
Rubio is scheduled to attend the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Addressing the same event, Jaishankar said the ideals articulated in the US Declaration of Independence helped shape the modern world and inspired democratic movements globally.
“The Declaration of Independence articulated ideas that shaped the modern world: individual liberty, rule of law, free speech, and accountable governance,” Jaishankar said, adding that these ideals resonated naturally with India because of its long-standing pluralistic and consultative traditions.
He noted that both India and the US are “political democracies, market economies, and open societies,” and said growing strategic convergence has enabled the two countries to overcome “the hesitations of history.”
Jaishankar said the India-US strategic partnership now spans trade and investment, defense and security, critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, energy, space, education, health, and culture.
He also emphasized the importance of counter-terrorism cooperation, stating that both countries have a strong interest in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and must maintain “zero tolerance for terrorism.”
Highlighting the role of the Indian diaspora in the United States, Jaishankar said the community has contributed significantly across technology, academia, medicine, entrepreneurship, and public service, helping strengthen political understanding between the two nations.
Referring to the changing global order, Jaishankar said both nations share a common interest in “de-risking” the global economy and providing the world with more choices. He added that Rubio’s visit underscores the growing significance of bilateral ties and the beneficial role of the Quad partnership.
In a post on X, Jaishankar later said he was pleased to join Rubio for the US National Day reception celebrating 250 years of the American Declaration of Independence, adding that India and the US continue to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of domains.
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