EAM Jaishankar thanks Rubio for Taj 26/11 tribute; calls for 'zero tolerance on terror'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for paying tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, while stressing the need to strengthen India-US cooperation across areas including trade, technology, energy and defence.

“All of Mumbai, and indeed all of India, appreciates your laying a wreath today at the Taj Hotel’s 26/11 Memorial,” Jaishankar said at a reception marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

He also welcomed the US administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, whom he described as one of the key culprits in the 2008 attacks.


“We are clear on the right to defend ourselves against terrorism, and expect that our partners show zero tolerance towards terrorism as well,” Jaishankar said.

Rubio laid a wreath at the memorial earlier on Tuesday, honouring the victims of the attacks that killed 166 people, including six American citizens.

Beyond counter-terrorism, Jaishankar highlighted the expanding scope of the India-US strategic partnership, noting that cooperation had grown in recent decades despite differences between the two countries.

He cited initiatives such as the Quad and Mission 500, alongside collaboration in energy, defence and civil aviation, as examples of the partnership’s expanding reach.

He also pointed to opportunities for deeper engagement in trade, investment, technology and energy.

Both countries had a shared interest in strengthening peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Jaishankar said, adding that regular engagement and the identification of common interests could help advance bilateral ties.

He also underscored the longstanding connections between India and the US, including the role of Indian talent and skills in shaping the American technology sector.

Jaishankar concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing the strategic partnership, as the two countries look to build on existing cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration.