US Secretary of State Addresses Racism Concerns During Visit to India
In a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to concerns about recent racist remarks directed at Indians by some Americans. Speaking alongside India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, Rubio acknowledged the issue but also pointed out that “stupid people exist in every country.”
He emphasized that while such comments are troubling, they do not represent the views of the entire American society. “I’m sure there are foolish people everywhere, including the US, who often make silly comments,” Rubio remarked.
Rubio went on to praise the contributions of immigrants, especially the Indian community, to the United States. He stated, “America is a very welcoming country,” noting that the nation benefits from the diverse backgrounds of its residents. “Our country has been made richer by people from all over the world who embrace American life and contribute to our society,” he added.
Highlighting the significant economic impact of the Indian diaspora, Rubio acknowledged, “Indians have contributed over USD 20 billion to the US economy, and we hope that number continues to grow.”
During his visit, Rubio and Jaishankar discussed ways to strengthen the partnership between the US and India. The talks, held at Hyderabad House, focused on enhancing diplomatic ties.
Rubio also addressed questions regarding recent changes to the US visa and immigration system. He clarified that these updates are not targeted specifically at India, but are part of a global modernization effort. “We have a migration crisis with over 20 million people who have entered the country illegally. This system is not aimed at India; we believe it will ultimately lead to a more efficient process,” he stated.
