MUMBAI, India — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a reception marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in Mumbai. The event, titled the Freedom 250 Reception, also featured remarks by U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. The speakers emphasized economic cooperation, technological innovation, maritime security and the strategic importance of U.S.-India relations.
Ambassador Gor said bilateral trade had exceeded $240 billion and outlined an ambitious goal of increasing it to more than $500 billion within the next three years. He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, energy, defense and advanced artificial intelligence. Gor also noted the significant presence of American companies in Mumbai and the role of U.S. institutional investors in Indian equity markets.
Rubio described the U.S.-India relationship as increasingly important to the future of the 21st century. He stressed the need for both countries to harness advances in artificial intelligence and quantum computing for public benefit while mitigating potential harms. Rubio also emphasized the importance of open maritime routes and a free and secure Indo-Pacific, arguing that international shipping lanes should not be dominated or controlled by any single nation. Acknowledging that the two countries would not agree on every issue, Rubio said their alignment on core national interests presented an opportunity to shape the future together.
Jaishankar highlighted Mumbai’s historical and contemporary role in India’s commercial, financial and technological links with the United States. He pointed to cooperation in infrastructure, education, agriculture and technology, as well as newer initiatives and frameworks, including the Quad, Mission 500, Pax Silica and the FORGE Initiative. Jaishankar also welcomed the U.S. administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, whom he described as one of the key culprits in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. He called for zero tolerance toward terrorism and emphasized the right to defend against it.
Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar said expanding areas of common interest in trade, investment, technology and energy would be essential to deepening bilateral relations. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing the strategic partnership as the United States prepares to mark 250 years of independence in 2026.
