00:00Your Excellency, Dr. Jaishankar.
00:14Secretary Marco Rubio, Mrs. Rubio, Chairman Jason Smith and members of the CODEL, Foreign
00:25Secretary, Ambassador Sergio Gore, dear friends, it's a real pleasure to join you all in Mumbai
00:34at the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
00:41I'm glad that Secretary Rubio has come here because Mumbai has both a special significance
00:51for India and a special place in our ties with the United States.
01:00Mumbai is, of course, India's financial capital, but it is very much more than that.
01:08Bollywood is an integral element of its personality.
01:14Mumbai is a center of learning and a hub for research and for technology.
01:19It's traditions of entrepreneurship are deeply linked to the trade that it sports service.
01:30The ethos of this city has many expressions, be it in sports or culture, media or music.
01:40Most of all, this is a cosmopolitan city that serves as a gateway to the world.
01:49And it is one that is deeply invested in our relationship with the United States.
01:57Therefore, Secretary Rubio, it is particularly fitting that you celebrate this important anniversary
02:06here in Mumbai.
02:12Now, Mumbai's connect with America started, some of you would be aware, with what was called
02:20the ice crate, trading in ice.
02:23Today, it is very much at the heart of our financial, commercial and technology ties.
02:31There is so much about the past that can be cited in that regard.
02:37That Swami Vivekananda set out from here on his famous journey to Chicago.
02:45That Leon Abbey brought jazz to this city.
02:50In fact, secretary to the very hotel where you are staying.
02:55That general electric reactors have long contributed to the energy requirements of this city.
03:03Or that, in fact, Starbucks opened its first Indian outlet here.
03:11And now, that one of your leading cricketers, secretary, you won't be counted as a friend
03:18of India until you really understand cricket.
03:22So, one of your leading cricketers, Saurabh Netrabalkar, actually hails from Mumbai.
03:32Friends, our ties have indeed come a long way.
03:38History records that many Americans were supportive of India's struggle for independence.
03:46After that, whether it was infrastructure and education, or food, agriculture, and technology,
03:55our partnership has made a real difference to India's development.
04:03Conversely, Indian talent and Indian skills have helped shape the tech era in the United States.
04:15Of course, we've had our share of issues, including the manner in which we approach the world and its challenges.
04:23But in the last few decades, our partnership has steadily expanded, acquiring new dimensions and new facets.
04:33The Quad, Mission 500, Pax Silica, and the Forge Initiative are among some of the notable examples.
04:45And growth in the fields of energy, in defense, and civil aviation sectors have actually been striking.
04:55Now, like many other symbols of success and modernity, Mumbai, too, has been attacked by those who wish it ill.
05:07The spirit of the Mumbaikar was demonstrated in their response to the 26-11 terrorist assault.
05:17Six Americans also lost their lives at that time.
05:21Secretary Rubio, all of Mumbai, and indeed all of India, appreciates your laying a wreath today at the Taj Hotel's
05:3326-11 Memorial.
05:39India also welcomes this administration's decision to extradite Tahabur Hussain Rana,
05:50who was one of the key culprits.
05:56We are clear on the right to defend ourselves against terrorism
06:02and expect that our partners show zero tolerance towards terrorism as well.
06:13As we mark this anniversary together, it is natural to reflect on the way ahead.
06:19The world order is clearly in transition and countries are responding accordingly.
06:27Each one of us, each one of us will naturally pursue our national interest.
06:35In such an era, expanding our convergence is key to deepening our ties.
06:42There are new opportunities in our partnership, in trade, investment, technology, and energy, and these await us.
06:51We have a shared stake in strengthening peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
06:58Engaging regularly and identifying common interests will certainly help provide a pathway.
07:07So your presence here, Secretary Rubio, and the discussions that we've had earlier in the day hold great value.
07:16So let me conclude by reiterating India's best wishes to the United States on this landmark anniversary.
07:26And while doing so, reaffirm our commitment, our continued commitment, to advance the India-U.S. strategic partnership.
07:36Thank you. I thank you.
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