NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday hailed ties between India and the US, saying the partnership between the two countries had grown over the past few decades despite their share of differences.Addressing the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, Jaishankar said Indian talent and skills had helped shape the technology era in the US.“Our ties have indeed come a long way. History records that many Americans were supportive of India’s struggle for independence. After that, whether it was infrastructure and education or food, agriculture, and technology, our partnership has made a real difference to India’s development. Indian talent and Indian skills have helped shape the tech era in the United States. Of course, we’ve had our share of issues, including the manner in which we approach the world and its challenges,” he said.“But in the last few decades, our partnership has steadily expanded, acquiring new dimensions and new facets. The Quad, Mission 500, Pax Silica, and the Forge Initiative are among some of the notable examples. Growth in the fields of energy, defence, and civil aviation has actually been striking,” he added.Jaishankar also thanked Washington for its decision to extradite Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. He said New Delhi expected its partners to show zero tolerance towards terrorism.“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.“As we mark this anniversary together, it is natural to reflect on the way ahead. The world order is clearly in transition, and countries are responding accordingly. Each one of us will naturally pursue our national interests. In such an era, expanding our convergence is key to deepening our ties. There are new opportunities in our partnership in trade, investment, technology, and energy, and these await us. We have a shared stake in strengthening peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Engaging regularly and identifying common interests will certainly help provide a pathway,” he added.The remarks came as US secretary of state Mark Rubio began a three-day visit to India. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar hosted his US counterpart for wide-ranging talks shortly after Rubio arrived in Mumbai for his second visit to India in less than five months.Following the meeting, Jaishankar said in a social media post that the two had “shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties”.The US state department said the two leaders discussed regional and global issues, including developments in West Asia.
“The secretary reiterated that increased energy trade with the United States can play a transformative role in diversifying India’s supply chains while meeting its sizable consumer demand,” it said.“He also commended recent progress in bilateral defence and civil nuclear cooperation, and advocated for the increased purchase of US technologies and systems, which can enhance the security and prosperity of both our countries,” the state department added.