US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday asserted that "stupid people exist in every country" while defending the United States over recent racist remarks made by some Americans against Indians.
Speaking at a joint press conference with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio was asked about the purported rise in racist comments targeting Indians online.
The reporter did not specify the exact posts when Rubio asked, "Who made those comments?", but said that such remarks had been "endorsed".
US President Donald Trump had recently reshared a social media post that referred to India as a "hellhole", though he later attempted to clarify the remark by praising India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Responding to the question, Rubio said, "I don't know how to address that, but I'll take that very seriously."
He added, "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."
Calling the US a welcoming nation, Rubio highlighted the contribution of immigrants, including the Indian diaspora, to American society and economy.
"The United States is a very welcoming country. Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country from all over the world, become Americans, assimilate into our way of life and contribute," he said.
Acknowledging the Indian community's economic contribution, Rubio added, "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."
Rubio also addressed concerns regarding recent changes affecting J1, F1 and H-1B visas — key pathways used by highly qualified Indian professionals and students.
He clarified that the ongoing overhaul of the US immigration system was not specifically targeted 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," Rubio said.
Referring to illegal immigration challenges faced by the US, he said, "Everything that you do as a country needs to be in your national interest, and that includes your immigration policy."
"It is not a system that is targeted at India. We think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system," he added.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor reiterated Washington's commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, "Sec Rubio's message is clear. Our relationship with India matters. Our strategic partnership with India is real. We have incredible potential ahead."
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Rubio at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as part of the ongoing high-level diplomatic dialogue between the two countries. Rubio also met PM Modi on Saturday.
