The US State Department quietly deleted a viral post featuring Secretary of State Marco Rubio's blunt remarks on racism against Indians after the exchange exploded online during his India visit. Rubio admitted that 'every country has stupid people' while responding to questions about racist attacks targeting Indians and Indian-Americans.
Background of the Incident
During a press conference in New Delhi, Rubio was asked about the rise in hate crimes against the Indian community in the United States. In his response, he acknowledged the issue but noted that such incidents are not unique to any nation. His remarks, however, sparked a heated debate on social media, with many criticizing the comment as dismissive.
State Department's Action
The State Department's decision to remove the video from its official channels raised eyebrows. Officials declined to comment on the deletion, but sources suggest it was done to avoid further controversy. The video had garnered millions of views before being taken down.
Reactions from Indian Officials
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who was present at the presser, refrained from directly commenting on the deletion. However, diplomatic sources indicate that India has raised the issue through official channels, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in bilateral discourse.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the delicate nature of US-India relations, especially on matters of racial discrimination. Advocacy groups have called for a more robust response from both governments to address hate crimes. The deletion of the video has only intensified scrutiny on the State Department's handling of such sensitive topics.
