US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday strongly defended the United States as a welcoming country while dismissing racist comments targeting Indians in the United States as the actions of “stupid people”, saying such remarks do not reflect America’s broader character as an immigrant-friendly nation. Addressing a joint press conference with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio was responding to a question on racism against Indians in the US. Rubio said he takes such concerns seriously but emphasised that offensive remarks made by individuals do not reflect the values of the United States.
“I don’t know how to address that, but I’ll take that very seriously,” Rubio said. “I’m sure that there are people who have made comments online and other places, because every country in the world has stupid people. I’m sure stupid people here, they’re stupid people in the United States that make dumb comments all the time.”
He added, “I don’t know what else to tell you, other than the United States is a very welcoming country.”
Rubio highlighted the contributions made by immigrants, including the Indian diaspora, to American society and the economy. “Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country, have come from our country, from all over the world, have become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life, and it’s contributing,” he said.
Rubio asked about RACIST comments ‘coming from US against Indians, Indian-Americans’
RUBIO: ‘who made those comments?… I’ll take that very seriously’
‘Every country in world has STUPID people that make dumb comments’https://t.co/9rknVDhP88 pic.twitter.com/WcvLc5zUA3
— RT (@RT_com) May 24, 2026
Acknowledging the economic role played by the Indian community in the United States, Rubio remarked, “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.
The US Secretary of State also noted that Washington is reviewing its immigration framework. “The United States is currently undergoing a process of reforming the system by which we choose how many people come into our country, who comes in, when they come in, etc.,” Rubio stated.
Responding to questions on recent changes affecting J1, F1 and H-1B visas, Rubio said the overhaul of the U.S. immigration system was a global exercise and not aimed specifically 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.
The US Secretary of State said Washington was reforming its immigration system following what he described as a migration crisis in recent years, with more than 20 million people entering the country illegally. “Everything that you do as a country needs to be in your national interest, and that includes your immigration policy,” Rubio said.
“It is not a system that is targeted at India,” Rubio said. “We think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system.”
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor reiterated Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi in a post on X. “Sec Rubio’s message is clear. Our relationship with India matters. Our strategic partnership with India is real. We have incredible potential ahead,” Gor said.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar held delegation-level talks with Rubio at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, marking a key engagement in the ongoing high-level US-India diplomatic dialogue.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. Jaishankar was accompanied by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials, while Rubio was joined by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and members of the visiting American delegation.
(With Inputs From ANI)
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With 13 years on the line, Ashish Kumar Singh loves everything when it comes to movies, music, travel and pop culture. Formerly employed at ANI, Pinkvilla, India Today and HT, Ashish has interviewed some of the top celebrities of India, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan, among others. Breaking news excites him and deadlines are what he chases. Interviewing comes naturally to him. Hit him up at ashish.kumar02singh@gmail.com.
