‘Right to defend ourselves’: Jaishankar says India expects partners to show zero tolerance on terrorism

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India expects its global partners to show zero tolerance toward terrorism, emphasizing the country's right to defend itself. His remarks were made during a reception in Mumbai celebrating 250 years of American independence, attended by visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During his three-day visit covering Mumbai and Jamnagar, the US official paid tribute to the victims of the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks by laying a wreath at the memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Indian officials welcomed the US administration's decision to extradite an accused individual linked to the 2008 attacks, describing him as a key culprit.

Apart from security and counter-terrorism cooperation, discussions between the two sides focused on bilateral trade agreements, energy security, technology, and defense ties. Officials from both nations highlighted ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement and explored avenues to expand energy cooperation and technology partnerships amid a changing global order.

Not yet reported: The exact final terms and signing date of the pending bilateral trade agreement were not finalized in the reports.