External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing its strategic partnership with the United States, highlighting opportunities in trade, investment, technology and energy while urging partners to demonstrate zero tolerance towards terrorism.
Speaking at a reception in Mumbai celebrating 250 years of American Independence, attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, EAM Jaishankar said expanding areas of convergence would be essential as countries navigated a changing world order.
“Each one of us will naturally pursue our national interest. In such an era, expanding our convergence is key to deepening our ties,” he said.
EAM Jaishankar said India and the US shared an interest in strengthening peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Regular engagement and identification of common interests would help guide the partnership, he added, describing his discussions with Rubio earlier in the day as valuable.
Referring to the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, in which six Americans also died, EAM Jaishankar thanked Rubio for laying a wreath at the Taj Hotel’s memorial. He also welcomed the US administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana in connection with the attacks.
“We are clear on the right to defend ourselves against terrorism, and expect that our partners show zero tolerance towards terrorism as well,” he said.
The Minister said bilateral relations had expanded steadily over recent decades despite differences in how the two countries approached global issues. He cited the Quad, Mission 500, Pax Silica and the FORGE initiative as examples of the partnership’s growing scope, alongside cooperation in energy, defence and civil aviation.
American contributions in infrastructure, education, agriculture and technology had supported India’s development, while Indian talent and skills had helped shape the technology era in the US, he said.
Highlighting Mumbai’s place in the relationship, EAM Jaishankar described the city as a financial, commercial and technology hub whose entrepreneurial and cosmopolitan character made it a fitting venue for the celebrations.
He recalled historical and cultural connections, including Swami Vivekananda’s departure from Mumbai for Chicago, the arrival of jazz musician Leon Abbey and the opening of Starbucks’ first Indian outlet in the city. He also mentioned Mumbai-born US cricketer Saurabh Netravalkar.
Extending India’s wishes on the anniversary, EAM Jaishankar reiterated the country’s continued commitment to strengthening the India-US strategic partnership.
