Marco Rubio On Racism: ‘There Are Stupid People In Every Country, Including America’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to reassure Indian audiences over concerns about racism in the United States, arguing that offensive and prejudiced comments can be found in every country while emphasising that America remains a nation strengthened by immigration. Rubio made the remarks during a news briefing in New Delhi following talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, when he was asked about recent instances of alleged racism directed at Indians and Indian-Americans. The question referenced concerns that such rhetoric could undermine the foundations of the growing US-India partnership.Seeking clarification, Rubio initially asked which specific comments were being referenced. After being told that the remarks had been

widely reported and publicly discussed, he responded by acknowledging that offensive statements are sometimes made in all societies. "I don't know how to address that, but I'll take it seriously about those comments," Rubio said. "I am sure there are people who have made comments online and in other places too, because every country in the world has stupid people. I am sure there are stupid people here in India, and there are people in the United States who make dumb comments all the time."

Rubio Defends America's Immigrant Identity

While dismissing the notion that such remarks reflect broader American values, Rubio stressed that the United States continues to be defined by immigration and cultural diversity. He described America as a country that has benefited from generations of people arriving from different parts of the world and integrating into American society. According to Rubio, that openness remains a defining feature of the country's national identity despite periodic controversies surrounding race and immigration."The United States is enriched by people who come from all over the world, become Americans and assimilate into our way of life," he said, adding that this was ultimately his response to concerns about alleged intolerance. His comments are likely to resonate in India, where discussions surrounding the treatment of Indian-origin communities in the United States frequently attract political and public attention. The United States hosts one of the world's largest Indian diaspora populations, making such issues particularly sensitive within the broader bilateral relationship.

Remarks Follow 'Hellhole' Controversy

Rubio's intervention comes weeks after criticism erupted over comments amplified by President Donald Trump on social media. Last month, Trump reposted material from conservative radio host Michael Savage discussing birthright citizenship in the United States. During the discussion, immigrants from countries including India and China were described as coming from a "hellhole". The remarks drew criticism from Indian officials, lawmakers and advocacy groups in both countries.India's Ministry of External Affairs described the comments as "uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste", while several American political figures and community organisations condemned them as racially insensitive. Against that backdrop, Rubio's visit has been closely watched as both governments seek to reinforce ties despite disagreements over tariffs, regional diplomacy and Washington's recent engagement with Pakistan and China.The Secretary of State repeatedly emphasised that India remains one of America's most important strategic partners. He said bilateral relations had not lost momentum and argued that New Delhi and Washington remained aligned on most major international issues. Rubio also expressed optimism about the eventual conclusion of a long-pending trade agreement and discussed regional security, energy cooperation, maritime commerce and developments in West Asia with Indian officials.For both governments, the visit was intended to underscore the durability of the US-India partnership. Rubio's remarks on racism appeared aimed at ensuring that controversies surrounding individual comments do not overshadow the broader strategic relationship between the two countries.