Mumbai: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described India as a powerful and influential nation, saying its partnership with the United States could play a major role in shaping the 21st century.
Speaking at the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 20, marking 250 years of American independence, Rubio highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries.
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“We are here to celebrate what we can achieve together over the next 250 years,” Rubio said.
He stressed that India and the US share values such as individual dignity, democracy and the rule of law. Rubio also acknowledged the need for more frequent engagement between the two nations, saying, “I actually think we don’t come enough.”
“The 21st century will be defined for better and for worse by what happens in this region,” he said, underlining the Indo-Pacific’s growing significance.
Rubio identified technology, trade, security and emerging fields such as quantum computing and superintelligence as key areas for cooperation. He also emphasised the importance of secure sea lanes and open trade.
Acknowledging differences between New Delhi and Washington, Rubio described their strategic alignment as “extraordinary.”
His remarks followed a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, where both sides discussed bilateral relations and regional and global developments.
