AiBotNew Delhi, India – In a bold display of bilateral cooperation, United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, joined his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to emphasize the importance of protecting global commons from nationalization. The high-level discussion took place during a working visit to New Delhi, underscoring the growing convergence of strategic interests between the world’s two largest democracies.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Secretary Rubio reiterated the U.S. position that no international waterway, no international airspace should ever be used or nationalized by any country in the world. “This principle should never be accepted as the new normal,” he cautioned, “for it undermines the foundation of international cooperation, threatens global stability, and imperils freedom of navigation and overflight.”
Secretary Rubio’s remarks were a reflection of the deepening bilateral ties between the U.S. and India, which have been fostered through regular dialogue on strategic issues, including security collaboration, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development. The shared commitment to defending global commons reflects a growing recognition among both nations that the global commons – including oceans, skies, and space – are a shared heritage that must be protected for future generations.
In an apparent reference to China’s expanding ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region, Secretary Rubio stressed the importance of ensuring that the global commons remain “open, transparent, and accessible to all.” He praised India for its robust advocacy of international law and principles, particularly in the realm of maritime governance. “By embracing international norms and rules, India has demonstrated its commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” the Secretary noted.
In response, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar echoed the U.S. concerns, reiterating India’s commitment to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the exclusive economic zone. “India believes in an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, where countries adhere to international law and norms,” he emphasized.
The meeting between the two senior officials comes ahead of the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, scheduled for later this year. The 2+2 talks offer a platform for the two nations to reaffirm their strategic cooperation and advance their shared objectives on regional security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
By sending a united message on the nationalization of global commons, the U.S. and India have sent a powerful signal to the international community that the freedom of navigation and overflight will not be taken for granted. As the two nations strengthen their strategic partnership, they have demonstrated that their shared commitment to global governance will endure, underpinning a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world.