US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today strongly condemned racist remarks targeting Indians in the United States, asserting that such comments do not represent the values of the country and would be treated seriously by the administration.
Speaking at the joint press conference with EAM Dr S Jaishankar in Delhi, Marco Rubio acknowledged that offensive comments do exist but called them as the actions of a fringe section of people present in every society.
“I’ll take that very seriously about the comments,” Marco Rubio said, while stressing that the United States remains a nation built and strengthened by immigrants from across the world. Addressing the issue directly, Marco Rubio said no country is immune from individuals making irresponsible or hateful remarks.
“Every country in the world has stupid people. I’m sure there are stupid people here; there are stupid people in the United States who make dumb comments all the time,” he remarked.
Marco Rubio underlined that Indian-origin communities continue to play a major role in American society and economy, adding that the US has historically benefited from migration and cultural diversity.
“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,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi: On being asked about racist remarks against Indian Americans in the United States, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says, “I’ll take that very seriously about the comments. I’m sure that there are people who have made comments online and in other places because… pic.twitter.com/JZBZv1L94Y
— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2026
Rubio backs Indian contribution to US economy amid visa concerns
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the deep economic contribution made by Indian businesses and professionals in the United States, noting that Indian companies have invested more than USD 20 billion in the American economy.
He said, “First of all, I accept the contribution that Indians have made to the U.S. economy. Over $20 billion has been invested in the U.S economy by Indian companies. We want that number to continue to increase…”
‘Not India-specific’: US defends immigration overhaul
Responding to questions over recent changes involving J1, F1, and H-1B visa systems, Marco Rubio emphasised that the ongoing immigration reforms are not directed specifically at India and are instead part of a larger restructuring of the American migration framework.
Marco Rubio said the United States is undergoing a transition period after facing what he called a major migration crisis over the past few years. According to him, the reforms are being implemented globally and are intended to create a more sustainable and efficient immigration system.
He said the US had witnessed the illegal entry of over 20 million people in recent years, forcing policymakers to rethink the structure and functioning of immigration procedures.
“The changes that are happening now, or the modernisation of our migration system into the United States, are not India-specific; it is global,” Marco Rubio stated.
He added that every nation has the right to shape immigration policies according to national interest and changing global realities.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the question of recent changes in J1 visa, F1, H-1B visa, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says, “First of all, I accept the contribution that Indians have made to the U.S. economy. Over $20 billion has been invested in the U.S economy by Indian companies. We… pic.twitter.com/T9Bmp8QFsE
— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2026