CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Referring to the historical ties between India and the United States, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said commercial contact between Mumbai and America once began with the ice trade, but the relationship has now expanded to finance, commerce, technology and strategic cooperation. He said that, amid changing global circumstances, it is necessary to expand shared interests to further strengthen relations between the two countries.
Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing a reception in Mumbai on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. The event was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his wife, a delegation from the US Congress and several dignitaries.
Referring to the long-standing historical contacts between India and the United States, Jaishankar said the relationship between the two countries had broadened over time. A contact that once began with the exchange of trading goods has today become an important part of financial activity, investment, technological innovation and global cooperation.
He described Mumbai not only as India’s financial capital but also as a major centre of education, research, entrepreneurship, cinema, culture, sports and technology. According to him, Mumbai’s global identity plays a special role in taking India-US relations forward.
The External Affairs Minister said India and the United States have new opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, technology and energy. He also described maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region as a shared interest of the two countries.
Jaishankar said the India-US partnership has continued to expand over the past few decades. Progress made in areas including defence, energy and civil aviation is an example of this, he said. Referring to initiatives such as the Quad, Mission 500, Pax Silica and Forge, he linked them to important dimensions of bilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar acknowledged that India and the United States have had differences on some issues, but said relations between the two countries have strengthened despite them. He said that in a changing global order, identifying and expanding shared interests is an important way to deepen bilateral ties. Through regular dialogue and cooperation on common priorities, the two countries can better face future challenges, he said.
Referring to the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai, Jaishankar recalled the city’s courage and determination. He mentioned the deaths of six American citizens in the attack and appreciated Marco Rubio for paying tribute at the memorial at the Taj Hotel.
Welcoming the cooperation of the US administration in the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, Jaishankar stressed the need to take a firm stand against terrorism. He extended greetings to the United States on the 250th anniversary of its independence and reiterated India’s commitment to taking the India-US strategic partnership forward.
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