Rubio hails India as 'powerful, influential', says India-US ties will shape 21st century

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday described India as a powerful, influential and advanced nation, asserting that the growing partnership between New Delhi and Washington would play a defining role in shaping the 21st century.

Addressing the Freedom 250 reception at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Rubio said the two countries had an opportunity to influence the future of global geopolitics, economics, trade and technology through closer cooperation.

He emphasised that decisions being taken by both countries today would have consequences for generations to come, making their strategic relationship particularly significant.

The reception formed part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆

Rubio acknowledged that India and the United States would not necessarily agree on every international issue but maintained that their interests were closely aligned on matters central to their national priorities.

He described the strategic convergence between the two countries as extraordinary, highlighting their shared interests in economic growth, technological advancement and regional security.

The US Secretary of State said the partnership was especially important because India was the world's most populous country and a major geopolitical and economic player, while the United States remained the world's largest economy.

He stressed that cooperation between the two countries could influence developments far beyond their borders.

Rubio also highlighted the importance of democratic principles, the rule of law and individual dignity as values underpinning the bilateral relationship.

𝗨𝗦 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻

Referring to questions about his return to India just four months after his previous visit, Rubio said Washington should engage with New Delhi more frequently.

“I actually think we don’t come enough,” he said, underscoring India's growing importance in American foreign policy.

Rubio maintained that developments in the Indo-Pacific region would have a significant bearing on the direction of global affairs throughout the century.

He said the region would influence the future of international trade, technological development and security, making sustained diplomatic engagement essential.

The Secretary of State also praised the work of American diplomats in India, saying they had an opportunity to contribute to a partnership capable of influencing the global order.

𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼-𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆

Rubio identified emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing, as important areas for closer bilateral cooperation.

He said advances in these fields presented opportunities alongside challenges that would require responsible development and international collaboration.

Both countries, he observed, possessed considerable technological expertise and human resources that could help address these challenges.

The US Secretary of State also emphasised the importance of maintaining open sea lanes, secure maritime trade routes and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

He called for freedom of navigation and opposed attempts by individual countries to dominate international shipping routes.

His remarks reflected the growing importance of maritime security and technological cooperation in the broader India-US strategic relationship.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Rubio's comments came during a visit that has also focused on finalising the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States.

Earlier on Tuesday, he said the two countries were extremely close to concluding the agreement, with only a small number of outstanding issues remaining.

Rubio held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai, reviewing cooperation in trade, energy, defence and emerging technologies.

The two leaders also participated in a trilateral meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on regional developments and energy security.

Rubio is scheduled to visit Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat on Wednesday as part of his India visit from October 20 to 22.

The visit comes amid efforts by both governments to strengthen economic engagement and address differences over tariffs and energy imports.

𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

At the reception, Rubio said the significance of the India-US relationship extended beyond immediate diplomatic and commercial priorities.

He urged American officials serving in India to recognise the historic importance of their work and the opportunities arising from closer engagement with New Delhi.

Rubio said cooperation should be guided by the responsibility of governments to improve opportunities for future generations.

He also stressed that the partnership should be built around common interests while recognising that differences would continue to arise between the two countries.

The remarks highlighted Washington's emphasis on strengthening its relationship with India as both countries seek closer cooperation in technology, economic development and regional security.