US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to arrive in India on 19 October, his second trip to the country this year, as Washington and New Delhi work to manage both deepening strategic ties and fresh points of friction. During this visit, he will be travelling to India's financial capital, Mumbai.&nbsp;The visit follows Rubio’s four-day tour in May, which took him from Kolkata to Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi and included talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-meets-rubio-on-unga-sidelines-raises-delhi-s-concern-over-russia-sanctions-law-1790179886768">Jaishankar meets Rubio on UNGA sidelines, raises Delhi’s concern over Russia sanctions law</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, India's EAM Dr Jaishankar and counterpart Rubio met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly high-level week in New York earlier today. In that meeting, India restated its concerns over the newly signed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The law authorises the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from the largest buyers of Russian crude oil and gas. India is one of the largest importers of Russian oil and has repeatedly said its purchases are driven by energy security for 1.4 billion people.&nbsp;EAM Jaishankar posted afterwards that he had “reiterated India’s interests and concerns with regard to SRIA” and that the two also discussed the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine. Rubio described the meeting as part of efforts to build on the strategic partnership and coordinate on regional priorities.The law does not automatically trigger tariffs; any action would require a presidential decision.&nbsp;The October visit will be an opportunity to advance trade talks, defence cooperation, critical minerals supply chains and people-to-people ties even as energy sanctions and earlier tariff disputes linger.&nbsp;&nbsp;The frequency of contact, two secretary-of-state visits in a single year, plus meetings at the UN, in Manila and at the G7, is being watched as a test of whether the two governments can compartmentalise differences over India's import of Russian energy while expanding cooperation on technology, defence production and the Quad.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India on October 19 for his second trip this year, with the visit coming amid ongoing trade talks and New Delhi’s concerns over the proposed Russia sanctions bill.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to arrive in India on 19 October, his second trip to the country this year, as Washington and New Delhi work to manage both deepening strategic ties and fresh points of friction. During this visit, he will be travelling to India's financial capital, Mumbai. The visit follows Rubio’s four-day tour in May, which took him from Kolkata to Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi and included talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting. Also Read: Jaishankar meets Rubio on UNGA sidelines, raises Delhi’s concern over Russia sanctions law Meanwhile, India's EAM Dr Jaishankar and counterpart Rubio met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly high-level week in New York earlier today. In that meeting, India restated its concerns over the newly signed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The law authorises the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from the largest buyers of Russian crude oil and gas. India is one of the largest importers of Russian oil and has repeatedly said its purchases are driven by energy security for 1.4 billion people. EAM Jaishankar posted afterwards that he had “reiterated India’s interests and concerns with regard to SRIA” and that the two also discussed the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine. Rubio described the meeting as part of efforts to build on the strategic partnership and coordinate on regional priorities.The law does not automatically trigger tariffs; any action would require a presidential decision. The October visit will be an opportunity to advance trade talks, defence cooperation, critical minerals supply chains and people-to-people ties even as energy sanctions and earlier tariff disputes linger. The frequency of contact, two secretary-of-state visits in a single year, plus meetings at the UN, in Manila and at the G7, is being watched as a test of whether the two governments can compartmentalise differences over India's import of Russian energy while expanding cooperation on technology, defence production and the Quad.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India on October 19 for his second trip this year, with the visit coming amid ongoing trade talks and New Delhi’s concerns over the proposed Russia sanctions bill.

US Secretary of state Marco Rubio to visit India on 19th October

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's strong protest over the deaths of three Indian mariners in attacks involving US naval forces in the Gulf region.&nbsp;In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified."&nbsp;The conversation came days after US military forces struck the Palau-flagged oil tanker M/T Settebello in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on June 9. The incident claimed the lives of three Indian merchant mariners identified as Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma and Engine Fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified.&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2065518118802461072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India summons US diplomat again</h2>India on Friday summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time this week after another merchant vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman.&nbsp;The American diplomat was called by the Additional Secretary (Americas) at the Ministry of External Affairs as New Delhi intensified its diplomatic response to the growing risks facing commercial shipping in the Gulf.&nbsp;"A strong protest was lodged with him regarding the continuing attacks by US naval forces on commercial vehicles carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives," the ministry said.&nbsp;"The Ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time," it added.<h2>Tensions grow over attacks on merchant vessels</h2>The latest developments mark a significant point of friction between India and the United States following a series of incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf region.&nbsp;According to official data, three foreign-flagged commercial vessels operating with Indian crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman within a four-day period.&nbsp;The situation has also raised wider concerns about maritime safety in the region. An estimated 20,000 seafarers remain aboard vessels stranded in Gulf waters as Iran continues restrictions on movement through the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Data from the International Maritime Organisation shows that 11 seafarers have been killed in the Gulf since the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began on February 28.

Earlier in the day, India summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time this week after another merchant vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's strong protest over the deaths of three Indian mariners in attacks involving US naval forces in the Gulf region. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified." The conversation came days after US military forces struck the Palau-flagged oil tanker M/T Settebello in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on June 9. The incident claimed the lives of three Indian merchant mariners identified as Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma and Engine Fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya.

Earlier in the day, India summoned US Chargé d'Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time this week after another merchant vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman.

'Such lethal actions are not justified': Jaishankar lodges 'strong protest' with Rubio over killing of Indian mariners

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed racist remarks against Indians and Indian-Americans as comments made by “stupid people,” stressing that such views do not reflect broader American society. Rubio praised ties with India and highlighted Trump’s strong relationship with PM Modi

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed racist remarks against Indians and Indian-Americans as comments made by “stupid people,” stressing that such views do not reflect broader American society. Rubio praised ties with India and highlighted Trump’s strong relationship with PM Modi

Rubio clarifies 'stupid people' remark on WION's racism question, says 'Trump loves India'

The US State Department deleted a social media post featuring a question from WION over racist comments targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States, hours after the exchange sparked widespread reactions online during Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India.&nbsp;The deleted post on X had highlighted Rubio’s response to a question asked by WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal on racism against Indians during a joint press conference in New Delhi with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.&nbsp;The State Department post before deletion read: “REPORTER: There’s been a lot of racism coming from the US against Indians. What’s your response?&nbsp;SECRETARY RUBIO: I’m sure there are people who have made dumb comments because every country has stupid people. I’m sure there are stupid people here. I don’t know what else to tell you other than that the US is a very welcoming country. Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country and become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life, and have contributed greatly.”&nbsp;Rubio made the remarks while addressing concerns over racist comments and online attacks targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the US. The issue was raised during his four-day India visit, which is focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-can-count-on-me-100-i-am-a-big-fan-of-pm-modi-says-trump-in-phone-call-at-delhi-event-1779642795192">‘India can count on me 100%. I am a big fan of PM Modi,‘ says Trump in phone call at Delhi event</a>&nbsp;Responding to the question, Rubio initially appeared cautious and said, “I don't know how to address that, but I'll take that very seriously... I'm sure there are people who have made comments online and other places because every country in the world has stupid people.”&nbsp;He added that “there are stupid people here, there are stupid people in the United States” who “make dumb comments all the time”.&nbsp;The US Secretary of State also stressed that the United States remains open to immigrants from around the world.&nbsp;“The United States is a very welcoming country. Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country from all over the world, have become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life and have contributed greatly,” Rubio said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on a four-day visit to India, said that every country has people who make “dumb comments” and “stupid people,” adding that such individuals exist in the United States as well and stressing that the US remains a very welcoming country.

The US State Department deleted a social media post featuring a question from WION over racist comments targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States, hours after the exchange sparked widespread reactions online during Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India. The deleted post on X had highlighted Rubio’s response to a question asked by WION correspondent Sidhant Sibal on racism against Indians during a joint press conference in New Delhi with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The State Department post before deletion read: “REPORTER: There’s been a lot of racism coming from the US against Indians. What’s your response? SECRETARY RUBIO: I’m sure there are people who have made dumb comments because every country has stupid people. I’m sure there are stupid people here. I don’t know what else to tell you other than that the US is a very welcoming country. Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country and become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life, and have contributed greatly.” Rubio made the remarks while addressing concerns over racist comments and online attacks targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the US. The issue was raised during his four-day India visit, which is focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Washington and New Delhi. Also Read: ‘India can count on me 100%. I am a big fan of PM Modi,‘ says Trump in phone call at Delhi event Responding to the question, Rubio initially appeared cautious and said, “I don't know how to address that, but I'll take that very seriously... I'm sure there are people who have made comments online and other places because every country in the world has stupid people.” He added that “there are stupid people here, there are stupid people in the United States” who “make dumb comments all the time”. The US Secretary of State also stressed that the United States remains open to immigrants from around the world. “The United States is a very welcoming country. Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country from all over the world, have become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life and have contributed greatly,” Rubio said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on a four-day visit to India, said that every country has people who make “dumb comments” and “stupid people,” adding that such individuals exist in the United States as well and stressing that the US remains a very welcoming country.

US State Dept deletes X post featuring WION question to Rubio on racism against Indians

India on Sunday (May 24) outlined a five-point approach to major regional and global challenges during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasising dialogue, uninterrupted maritime trade, adherence to international law and resilient economic partnerships. Addressing a joint press briefing after delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India advocates diplomacy and lawful conduct while opposing the weaponisation of trade and resources amid growing geopolitical tensions.&nbsp;“One, that we advocate dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts. Two, we support safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Three, we demand scrupulous respect for international law. Fourth, we are against the weaponisation of market shares and resources. And five, we believe in the value of trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to de-risk the global economy,” Jaishankar said. The External Affairs Minister said India and the United States have maintained continuous engagement since Rubio assumed office, with interactions taking place in Washington, New York and on the sidelines of international events, including their most recent meeting in France.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marco-rubio-hints-at-good-news-for-the-world-in-few-hours-regarding-iran-at-press-meet-in-india-1779614941911">Marco Rubio hints at 'good news for the world in few hours' regarding Iran at press meet in India</a>&nbsp;“This is the Secretary’s first visit to India, but ever since he has assumed office, we have been in regular touch. This has included occasions in Washington, D.C., and New York, and also on the sidelines of other events, the most recent one being in France. We have had a continuous engagement which has facilitated our overseeing the broad-based and growing cooperation between our two nations,” Jaishankar said.&nbsp;Highlighting the political understanding between New Delhi and Washington, he said the India-US strategic partnership is rooted in converging national interests across several sectors. “In terms of the political understanding between India and the US, we have a strategic partnership which emanates from a convergence of national interests in many areas,” he stated.&nbsp;Jaishankar also said Rubio had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, where discussions covered a range of regional and global developments. According to the minister, his own talks with Rubio included discussions on West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia and his recent visit to the Caribbean region.“Our talks today over lunch will focus on the latest developments in the Gulf. A few things have happened or seem to be happening overnight, and also on the Ukraine conflict. Indo-Pacific is also on the agenda for the Quad meeting, which we will be doing on May 26,” he said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-rubio-hold-delegation-level-talks-us-state-secretary-says-india-a-strategic-ally-1779604112022">Jaishankar-Rubio hold delegation level talks, US State Secretary says 'India a strategic ally'</a>&nbsp;On defence and strategic cooperation, Jaishankar referred to the recently renewed 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement between India and the United States, along with the signing of a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap. “We discussed the importance of taking into account the ‘Make in India’ approach and lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward in the defence domain,” he added. Speaking on economic cooperation, the minister said both sides discussed the need for early finalisation of the proposed India-US interim trade agreement, which is expected to lay the groundwork for a broader bilateral trade pact.&nbsp;“On the economic front, we spoke about the value of concluding at an early date, the final text of the interim agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. This will be an important step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, which was envisaged during Prime Minister Modi’s visit in February 2025,” he said. &nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlining India’s five-point global priority plan focusing on diplomacy, maritime safety, international law, and resilient supply chains.

India on Sunday (May 24) outlined a five-point approach to major regional and global challenges during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasising dialogue, uninterrupted maritime trade, adherence to international law and resilient economic partnerships. Addressing a joint press briefing after delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India advocates diplomacy and lawful conduct while opposing the weaponisation of trade and resources amid growing geopolitical tensions. “One, that we advocate dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts. Two, we support safe and unimpeded maritime commerce. Three, we demand scrupulous respect for international law. Fourth, we are against the weaponisation of market shares and resources. And five, we believe in the value of trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains to de-risk the global economy,” Jaishankar said. The External Affairs Minister said India and the United States have maintained continuous engagement since Rubio assumed office, with interactions taking place in Washington, New York and on the sidelines of international events, including their most recent meeting in France. Also read: Marco Rubio hints at 'good news for the world in few hours' regarding Iran at press meet in India “This is the Secretary’s first visit to India, but ever since he has assumed office, we have been in regular touch. This has included occasions in Washington, D.C., and New York, and also on the sidelines of other events, the most recent one being in France. We have had a continuous engagement which has facilitated our overseeing the broad-based and growing cooperation between our two nations,” Jaishankar said. Highlighting the political understanding between New Delhi and Washington, he said the India-US strategic partnership is rooted in converging national interests across several sectors. “In terms of the political understanding between India and the US, we have a strategic partnership which emanates from a convergence of national interests in many areas,” he stated. Jaishankar also said Rubio had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, where discussions covered a range of regional and global developments. According to the minister, his own talks with Rubio included discussions on West Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East Asia and his recent visit to the Caribbean region. “Our talks today over lunch will focus on the latest developments in the Gulf. A few things have happened or seem to be happening overnight, and also on the Ukraine conflict. Indo-Pacific is also on the agenda for the Quad meeting, which we will be doing on May 26,” he said. Also read: Jaishankar-Rubio hold delegation level talks, US State Secretary says 'India a strategic ally' On defence and strategic cooperation, Jaishankar referred to the recently renewed 10-year major defence partnership framework agreement between India and the United States, along with the signing of a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap. “We discussed the importance of taking into account the ‘Make in India’ approach and lessons drawn from recent conflicts while going forward in the defence domain,” he added. Speaking on economic cooperation, the minister said both sides discussed the need for early finalisation of the proposed India-US interim trade agreement, which is expected to lay the groundwork for a broader bilateral trade pact. “On the economic front, we spoke about the value of concluding at an early date, the final text of the interim agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. This will be an important step towards a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, which was envisaged during Prime Minister Modi’s visit in February 2025,” he said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlining India’s five-point global priority plan focusing on diplomacy, maritime safety, international law, and resilient supply chains.

‘Against weaponisation of resources’: Jaishankar details India’s global priorities during Rubio meeting

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (May 24) addressed a presser alongside India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and answered range of questions from India-US ties, global challenges and racism against Indians in the US. Emphasizing the growing depth of the US-India relationship during a joint press conference, Rubio highlighted that New Delhi is one of Washington's most important strategic partners globally. Rubio also said India and the United States shared a strong counterterrorism partnership because both countries had suffered from global terrorist networks, directly and indirectly. He added that this had created strong strategic alignment between Washington and New Delhi on security issues.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rubio-in-india-rubio-calls-on-pm-modi-extends-invitation-to-visit-white-house-1779598841302/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/rubio-in-india-rubio-calls-on-pm-modi-extends-invitation-to-visit-white-house-1779598841302/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>What Rubio said on US-India cooperation?</h2>Rubio also highlighted the broad scope of India-US cooperation, saying the range of issues both countries worked on reflected why India was among America’s most important strategic partners globally. He said the two democracies shared common interests and values, and emphasised growing collaboration in technology, innovation, global commerce and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. &nbsp;"The list of issues that we work together with India on, the breadth of scope of them, is what highlights the fact that India is an important strategic partner in the United States, one of our most important strategic partners in the world." On security cooperation, the US Secretary of State stressed the strong counterterrorism partnership between Washington and New Delhi. "On the issue of terrorism, both of our countries have suffered, both directly and indirectly, because of global terrorist networks. There was a strong counterterrorism alignment as a result of that," Rubio said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-visits-us-consulate-in-kolkata-one-of-the-oldest-missions-in-the-world-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1779511500951">Rubio visits US Consulate in Kolkata, one of the oldest missions in the world. Here’s all you need to know</a><h2>What Rubio said on racist remark?</h2>On racist comments targeting Indians in the US, Rubio said such remarks were made by “stupid people” and did not represent the broader American society. He said every country had people who made offensive comments, but stressed that the United States remained an immigrant-friendly nation whose growth and success had been shaped by people from around the world. “I’m sure that there are people that have made comments online and other places, because every country in the world has stupid people,” Rubio said. “I’m sure there’s stupid people here. There are stupid people in the United States that make dumb comments all the time,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/marco-rubio-lands-in-india-s-kolkata-for-first-official-visit-quad-talks-and-trade-high-on-agenda-1779502037666">Marco Rubio lands in India's Kolkata for first official visit; QUAD talks and trade high on agenda</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Who said that...&quot;, US Secretary of State Rubio in response to my question on racism agaisnt Indians in US. US President Donald Trump had endorsed a post terming India &quot;Hellhole&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UC37RYIcHK">pic.twitter.com/UC37RYIcHK</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/2058461912028131581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What Rubio said on visa issues?</h2>Rubio said recent changes to J1, F1 and H-1B visa policies were part of a broader modernisation of the US immigration system and were not targeted specifically at India. He acknowledged the significant contribution of Indian companies to the US economy, noting that they had invested over $20 billion in the country and expressing hope that the figure would continue to grow. Rubio added that the immigration reforms were being implemented globally as the United States dealt with what he described as a migration crisis caused by millions of illegal entries in recent years. He added that every country had the right to shape its immigration policies according to its national interest.

During talks with S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India one of America’s most important strategic partners and dismissed racist remarks against Indians in the US as comments by “stupid people.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (May 24) addressed a presser alongside India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and answered range of questions from India-US ties, global challenges and racism against Indians in the US. Emphasizing the growing depth of the US-India relationship during a joint press conference, Rubio highlighted that New Delhi is one of Washington's most important strategic partners globally. Rubio also said India and the United States shared a strong counterterrorism partnership because both countries had suffered from global terrorist networks, directly and indirectly. He added that this had created strong strategic alignment between Washington and New Delhi on security issues. https://www.wionews.com/videos/rubio-in-india-rubio-calls-on-pm-modi-extends-invitation-to-visit-white-house-1779598841302/embed What Rubio said on US-India cooperation? Rubio also highlighted the broad scope of India-US cooperation, saying the range of issues both countries worked on reflected why India was among America’s most important strategic partners globally. He said the two democracies shared common interests and values, and emphasised growing collaboration in technology, innovation, global commerce and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. "The list of issues that we work together with India on, the breadth of scope of them, is what highlights the fact that India is an important strategic partner in the United States, one of our most important strategic partners in the world." On security cooperation, the US Secretary of State stressed the strong counterterrorism partnership between Washington and New Delhi. "On the issue of terrorism, both of our countries have suffered, both directly and indirectly, because of global terrorist networks. There was a strong counterterrorism alignment as a result of that," Rubio said. Also Read: Rubio visits US Consulate in Kolkata, one of the oldest missions in the world. Here’s all you need to know What Rubio said on racist remark? On racist comments targeting Indians in the US, Rubio said such remarks were made by “stupid people” and did not represent the broader American society. He said every country had people who made offensive comments, but stressed that the United States remained an immigrant-friendly nation whose growth and success had been shaped by people from around the world. “I’m sure that there are people that have made comments online and other places, because every country in the world has stupid people,” Rubio said. “I’m sure there’s stupid people here. There are stupid people in the United States that make dumb comments all the time,” he added. Also Read: Marco Rubio lands in India's Kolkata for first official visit; QUAD talks and trade high on agenda

During talks with S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India one of America’s most important strategic partners and dismissed racist remarks against Indians in the US as comments by “stupid people.”

'There are stupid people in the United States...': From racism to visa issues, what Rubio said in presser with Jaishankar

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to downplay concerns over racist comments targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States, describing them as the words of "stupid people" present in every country. The remarks came during a joint press conference in New Delhi on Sunday with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, as Rubio began a four-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. In response to WION's Sidhant Sibal, who directly raised the issue, Rubio, appearing visibly cautious, &amp; responded: “I don't know how to address that but I'll take that very seriously... I'm sure there are people that have made comments online and other places because every country in the world has stupid people.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to downplay concerns over racist comments targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States, describing them as the words of &quot;stupid people&quot; present in every country<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarcoRubio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarcoRubio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaishankar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaUSTies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaUSTies</a> <a href="https://t.co/NYeMLfhQID">pic.twitter.com/NYeMLfhQID</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2058475906981855277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added that "there are stupid people here, there are stupid people in the United States" who "make dumb comments all the time". The US top diplomat went on to emphasise America's openness to immigrants. "The United States is a very welcoming country. Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country from all over the world, have become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life and have contributed greatly," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-rubio-hold-delegation-level-talks-us-state-secretary-says-india-a-strategic-ally-1779604112022">Jaishankar-Rubio hold delegation level talks, US State Secretary says 'India a strategic ally'</a>

The exchange comes amid heightened sensitivities following comments attributed to President Donald Trump. In April 2026, Trump reportedly endorsed a post referencing a Michael Savage transcript that labelled India a "hellhole" in the context of a debate on birthright citizenship.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;I&#39;m sure that there are people that have made comments online and other places, because every country in the world has stupid people There are stupid people in the United States that make dumb comments all the time. I don&#39;t know what else to tell you other than the United… <a href="https://t.co/6pg1yJUy0N">pic.twitter.com/6pg1yJUy0N</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2058474982070738966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Such rhetoric has strained public discourse even as official relations remain a strategic priority for both nations. Incidents of discrimination against Indian communities in the US have drawn attention in recent years, even as Indian-Americans continue to play prominent roles in American society, business, and politics.&nbsp;Rubio's visit, his first to India as Secretary of State, follows meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions have focused on technology, energy, critical minerals, and broader cooperation, with India reportedly committing to significant purchases of US goods.Despite underlying tensions over trade, tariffs, and occasional inflammatory language, both sides have stressed the importance of the partnership between the world's two largest democracies.

Marco Rubio dismissed racist remarks targeting Indians in the US as comments made by “stupid people” found in every country. Speaking alongside S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio said such views do not represent America broadly.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to downplay concerns over racist comments targeting Indians and Indian-Americans in the United States, describing them as the words of "stupid people" present in every country. The remarks came during a joint press conference in New Delhi on Sunday with India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, as Rubio began a four-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. In response to WION's Sidhant Sibal, who directly raised the issue, Rubio, appearing visibly cautious, & responded: “I don't know how to address that but I'll take that very seriously... I'm sure there are people that have made comments online and other places because every country in the world has stupid people.”

Marco Rubio dismissed racist remarks targeting Indians in the US as comments made by “stupid people” found in every country. Speaking alongside S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio said such views do not represent America broadly.

In response to WION, Rubio dismisses racist remarks on Indians as 'stupid' comments - VIDEO

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