Mumbai, October 20 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said India is clear on its right to defend itself against terrorism and expects its partners to show zero tolerance toward terrorism as well. He was addressing the 'Freedom 250' reception in Mumbai, held to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, in the presence of visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, IANS reported.

"Secretary Rubio, all of Mumbai, and indeed all of India, appreciate your laying a wreath today at the Taj Hotel's 26/11 Memorial. India also welcomes this administration's decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was one of the key culprits. We are clear on our right to defend ourselves against terrorism and expect our partners to show zero tolerance toward terrorism as well," Jaishankar said. Rana was described by the minister as one of the key culprits of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Rubio, in a post on X, said he had laid the wreath honouring the victims of the horrific November 26, 2008 terrorist attacks, including six American citizens, and reaffirmed the enduring US–India partnership and the two countries' shared commitment to combating terrorism. At the same reception, Rubio said the history of the 21st century is being written in this region, and that the relationship between the United States and India is defining, in many ways, what the 21st century can look like.

Jaishankar said the world order is clearly in transition and countries are responding accordingly, adding that expanding convergence is key to deepening ties. He pointed to new opportunities in the India–US partnership in trade, investment, technology and energy, and said both countries have a shared stake in strengthening peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Sources: IANS; ANI; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X.