US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in India on Saturday for his first official visit, aimed at strengthening and recalibrating bilateral ties that have faced strains since mid-last year. Amid his visit, Iran’s Mumbai Consulate posted a remark on X taking a dig at Rubio, quoting his arrival post and using the Hindi word “sabhyata,” meaning civility or civilisation. The post said “thoda seekh lo yaar” and referred to a “sabhyata ka crash course.”
The comment from the Iranian consulate came as a sharp response to Rubio's statement about his visit. The post implied that Rubio could benefit from learning about civility from India, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and diplomatic traditions. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, with India often finding itself in the middle of such diplomatic spats.
Rubio's visit to India is part of a broader effort to reset relations between Washington and New Delhi, which have been strained over issues such as trade tariffs, energy imports from Russia, and differing approaches to China. The US has been pushing India to reduce its dependence on Russian oil, while India has maintained that its energy security is a top priority. The Iranian consulate's remark adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic dynamics, as Iran itself is a major oil producer and has faced US sanctions.
The use of Hindi words by the Iranian consulate is notable, as it shows an attempt to connect with Indian audiences and leverage local language to make a point. This is not the first time Iran has used social media to send messages to US officials, but the reference to a “crash course” in civility is a particularly pointed jab.
Rubio's trip includes meetings with Indian leaders and officials to discuss a range of issues, including defense cooperation, trade, and regional security. The visit comes at a time when the US is seeking to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's influence. However, India's independent foreign policy, which includes maintaining ties with Russia and Iran, has sometimes created friction with Washington.
The Iranian consulate's post has gone viral on social media, with many users commenting on the audacity of the remark. Some have praised Iran for its wit, while others have criticized the move as unprofessional. The incident underscores the volatile nature of international diplomacy in the age of social media, where every post can have significant implications.
As Rubio continues his visit, it remains to be seen how this exchange will affect the broader US-India relationship. For now, the Iranian consulate has made it clear that it will not shy away from calling out what it perceives as American arrogance, even if it means taking a dig through a crash course suggestion.
