External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today stated that India-US ties have come a long way and the partnership has steadily expanded, acquiring new dimensions and new facets in the last few decades. Attending the celebration of the 250th anniversary of US independence in Mumbai as the Guest of Honour, Dr Jaishankar cited QUAD and Pax Silica as some of the notable examples of this partnership. He said Indian talent and Indian skills have helped shape the tech era in the US. He admitted that India and the US have had their share of issues, including the manner in which both nations approach the world and its challenges. He said that the world order is clearly in transition and countries are responding accordingly. He remarked that said each nation will naturally pursue national interest, and expanding convergence is key to deepening ties in such an era. The External Affairs Minister emphasised that growth in the fields of energy, defence, and civil aviation sectors has actually been striking.
Dr Jaishankar said that all of Mumbai and India appreciate the wreath-laying by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Taj Hotel’s 26/11 Memorial. He stated that the spirit of Mumbaikars was demonstrated in the response to the 26/11 terrorist assault. The Minister said six Americans also lost their lives at that time. He said India also welcomes this US administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was one of the key culprits. He said India is clear on the right to defend against terrorism and expects that its partners show zero tolerance towards terrorism as well.
Speaking on the occasion, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the 21st century will be defined by what happens in this region.
