Mumbai: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the strategic convergence between India and the United States as “extraordinary”, stressing that both democracies possess a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of the 21st century through bilateral cooperation.

Addressing the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, Rubio acknowledged that while Washington and New Delhi may not maintain complete consensus on every issue, their overlapping core interests carry the potential to steer global politics, economics, and commercial trade for decades ahead.

“No two nations on Earth will ever be perfectly aligned on every issue, and there will be times and points of disagreement,” Rubio stated.

“But on the core issues that matter, the core issues that define the national interests of both India and the United States, the alignment between our countries is extraordinary,” he added.

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Rubio emphasised that the partnership bears immense global significance due to the demographic and economic scale of both powers, pointing to India's population approaching 1.5 billion alongside the United States' status as the world's largest economy. He remarked that both countries hold a singular opportunity to help draft the history of the 21st century by collaborating on issues destined to shape the future.

Furthermore, Rubio suggested that senior U.S. officials should undertake more frequent diplomatic visits to India, which he designated as one of Washington's most essential geopolitical partners.

Responding to queries from reporters concerning his return to India after a gap of only four months, Rubio noted that India's demographic size, democratic governance, and strategic importance render it a cornerstone partner for the United States.

“I actually think we don’t come enough,” he remarked.

Rubio asserted that the central narrative of the 21st century is taking shape within the Indo-Pacific region, maintaining that regional developments will dictate global outcomes.

“One day, someone will write a book about the history of the 21st century, and there will be a chapter about other regions in the world, but the 21st century will be defined, for better and for worse, by what happens in this region,” he noted. “We know that, we can sense it, we can feel it,” he added.

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During the reception, Rubio observed that contemporary geopolitical, economic, and commercial policy choices will resonate for generations to come. He conveyed to American diplomatic staff stationed in India that they possess a rare privilege to help craft the future alongside a formidable, influential, and technologically advanced partner.

“What I’m excited about, and what I challenge our team at the Department of State to be excited about, as well as our team at the consulate here in Mumbai, is the fact that today you are assigned to and working in a place where the United States, in partnership with another powerful, influential, and advanced country, is helping to write the story of the 21st century,” Rubio stated.

He concluded by stating that the bilateral relationship must continue to champion shared values, including individual liberty, democratic governance, and the rule of law.

ANI