CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the India-US partnership as a crucial relationship that will shape the future of the 21st century. Addressing the ‘Freedom 250’ event held in Mumbai on October 20 to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, he said developments in this region would determine the direction in which the history of the coming century moves. He described India as powerful, influential and an important strategic partner of the United States.
Rubio said the history of the 21st century is being written in this region and that India-US relations can positively influence its shape. He said there is extraordinary alignment between the two countries on key issues linked to their national interests. However, he also acknowledged that agreement on every issue between two countries is not possible and that differences may remain on some matters.
The US Secretary of State underlined the importance of cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, superintelligence and quantum computing. According to him, India and the United States have talented engineers, researchers and innovators. Both countries want these technologies to be used for the benefit of humanity and want to reduce the potential risks arising from them.
Rubio described a free and secure Indo-Pacific region as an important part of the shared interests of the two countries. He said no single country should dominate international sea routes. Freedom and security of maritime routes are necessary to keep global trade running smoothly. He indicated that strategic cooperation, technological development and trade connectivity would be important pillars of the partnership between the two countries in the coming years.
During Rubio’s visit to India, several issues, including trade, energy and strategic cooperation, were discussed in bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Both sides welcomed the progress made towards an India-US bilateral trade agreement and expressed commitment to completing it soon. Rubio said consensus was still to be reached on some issues related to the agreement. Rubio’s statement on India-US relations comes at a time when the two countries are trying to advance trade and global strategic cooperation. His remarks made it clear that despite differences, both countries consider cooperation on shared interests important.
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