US Secretary of State Marco Rubio found himself in an awkward position during his visit to India when confronted with a question about racist comments targeting Indians in the United States. The incident occurred at a joint press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, where a reporter indirectly referenced President Donald Trump's endorsement of a podcaster's description of India as a 'hellhole'.
Rubio's Response to Racism Query
When asked about 'racist comments coming from the United States against Indians', Rubio initially sought clarification, asking 'Who made those comments? Which ones?' The reporter declined to specify, noting the remarks were 'pretty well known' and had been endorsed. Rubio then offered a general reply, stating, 'I'm sure that there are people who have made comments online and in other places because every country in the world has stupid people. There are stupid people in the United States who make dumb comments all the time.' He added that the US has been enriched by immigrants from around the world.
Background of Tensions
The exchange comes amid strained US-India relations, exacerbated by Trump's tariff policies, immigration stance, and warming ties with Pakistan. The 'hellhole' remark, shared by Trump on Truth Social, was denounced by India's government as inappropriate. Bilateral ties further soured after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi downplayed Trump's role in brokering a ceasefire in the India-Pakistan conflict last year.
Rubio's Four-Day Visit
Rubio is on a four-day trip to India, expected to attend a Quad meeting with Japan and Australia. He met Modi over the weekend and attended a gala marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. At the event, US Ambassador Sergio Gor called Trump, who praised India and Modi, saying, 'I love India... India can count on me 100%.'
Trade and Defence Cooperation
On Saturday, Rubio invited Modi to the White House, agreeing to deepen trade and defence ties. He stressed that Trump's trade policies are global in nature, not targeted at India. The two nations aim to accelerate collaboration on critical technologies.
