Mumbai, Oct 2026 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday met Sunil Kudyadi, the security chief at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, who was present at the iconic property during the November 26, 2008, terrorist attacks. Kudyadi shared a first-hand account of the assault, including details of the duration of the siege.
The meeting followed Rubio’s visit to the hotel’s 26/11 memorial, where he laid a wreath to honour those killed in the terror attacks. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar introduced Kudyadi to the US Secretary of State, facilitating an interaction that highlighted the enduring impact of the tragedy and the shared commitment of India and the United States to combating terrorism.
The November 2008 attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists, claimed 166 lives, including six American citizens. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was among the locations targeted during the coordinated assaults on Mumbai.
After laying the wreath, Rubio paid tribute to the victims and those who responded to the attacks. In a post on social media platform X, he said, “At the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, I laid a wreath honouring the victims of the horrific November 26, 2008, terrorist attacks, including six American citizens.”
He added that the United States remembered those who lost their lives, honoured the courage of those who responded and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Washington and New Delhi, along with their shared commitment to fighting terrorism.
Rubio’s visit came amid broader discussions on strengthening bilateral ties across several strategic and economic sectors.
During talks with Jaishankar, Rubio called for expanded energy trade between the two countries and greater Indian purchases of American technologies and systems, according to the US State Department.
The department said Rubio emphasised that increased energy trade with the United States could help India diversify its supply chains while meeting its substantial consumer demand. He also welcomed progress in bilateral defence and civil nuclear cooperation.
The US Secretary of State advocated greater procurement of American technologies and systems, stating that such cooperation could strengthen the security and prosperity of both countries.
The discussions also covered regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East, the State Department said.
Jaishankar described the meeting as an opportunity to exchange views on advancing India-US relations, with particular attention to trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties.
In his post on X, the External Affairs Minister said the two sides had also discussed regional developments.
Rubio’s tribute at the Taj memorial and his interaction with Kudyadi underscored the continuing significance of the 26/11 attacks in India-US relations, as both countries seek closer cooperation on counterterrorism and wider strategic priorities.
