Rubio Says US-India Partnership Will Help Shape the 21st Century

Mumbai — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the partnership between the United States and India will play a defining role in shaping the 21st century, citing growing cooperation in technology, regional security and economic development.

Speaking at the “Freedom 250” reception in Mumbai, held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, Rubio emphasized India’s importance as the world’s most populous country and a major geopolitical partner.

“If you think about the story and the history of the 21st century, it’s being written in this region and it’s being written right now. One day someone will write a book about the history of the 21st century. And there will be a chapter in there about the other regions in the world, but the 21st century will be defined, for better and for worse, by what happens in this region. We know that. We can sense it. We can feel it,” Rubio said.

“I truly believe the relationship between the United States and India is defining, in many ways in a positive way, what the 21st century can look like,” he added.

Rubio highlighted the growing alignment between Washington and New Delhi on emerging technologies, including artificial superintelligence and quantum computing. He said both countries share an interest in harnessing technological advances for the benefit of humanity while addressing their potential risks.

The secretary of state also emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and secure Indo-Pacific, particularly as global commerce depends heavily on unrestricted access to international shipping routes.

Rubio said the United States and India share a commitment to an Indo-Pacific “one in which no nation can claim dominance or ownership of international shipping lanes. On that issue, we are 100 per cent in perfect alignment.”

While acknowledging that the two countries do not agree on every international issue, Rubio described their strategic interests as closely aligned.

“No two nations on earth will ever be perfectly aligned on every issue. And of course, there will be points of disagreement. But on the core issues that define the national interest of both India and the United States, the alignment between our countries is extraordinary, especially for two countries of this size,” he said.

Rubio also indicated that he intends to make more frequent trips to India as Washington seeks to deepen its relationship with New Delhi.

“I’ll see you again in three months because I’m coming now every three months,” he said, noting that he had visited India four months earlier.

Earlier Tuesday, Rubio met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, technology, defense and people-to-people relations.

“Pleased to meet US Marco Rubio in Mumbai today. We shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties. Also exchanged views on regional developments,” Jaishankar wrote on X following the meeting.

Rubio’s remarks and meetings underscored the importance both governments place on strengthening their strategic partnership as India and the United States navigate shifting geopolitical and economic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region. (Source: IANS)