US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday reacted to recent racist remarks made against Indians in the United States. He said such comments do not represent American society and added that “stupid people exist in every country.”
Rubio made the remarks during a joint press conference in New Delhi with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Reporters asked him about the rise in racist comments targeting Indians, especially on social media platforms.
Rubio said he takes the issue seriously. However, he stressed that online abuse comes from a small group of people and does not reflect the views of most Americans.
“I’m sure that there are people that have made comments online and other places, because every country in the world has stupid people. I’m sure there are stupid people here; there are stupid people in the United States, that make dumb comments all the time,” Rubio said.
‘US Is A Welcoming Country’
Rubio also praised the contribution of immigrants to the United States. He said America continues to welcome people from across the world.
“The United States is a very welcoming country,” he said.
He added that immigrants have helped strengthen the country’s economy and society. Rubio especially acknowledged the Indian community’s growing role in the US economy.
“I accept what you just said about the contribution that Indians have made in the US economy, over USD 20 billion. We want that number to continue to increase,” he said.
Visa Reforms Are Global, Says Rubio
Rubio also responded to concerns over recent visa and immigration policy changes affecting J-1, F-1, and H-1B categories. He said the reforms are part of a worldwide immigration review and are not directed at India.
“The changes that are happening now, or the modernisation of our migration system into the United States, are not India-specific. It is global, it’s being applied across the world,” he said.
Rubio said the US faced a major migration crisis in recent years. He claimed that more than 20 million people entered the country illegally. He added that the government wants immigration policies to match national interests.
“It is not a system that is targeted at India. We think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system,” he said.
US Reaffirms Strong Ties With India
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to stronger ties with India.
“Sec Rubio’s message is clear. Our relationship with India matters. Our strategic partnership with India is real. We have incredible potential ahead,” Gor wrote on X.
Earlier, Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Rubio at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as part of ongoing high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Rubio also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his India visit.