INDIA–US

Jaishankar’s Cricket Quip to Rubio on Friendship With India

S. Jaishankar used a light-hearted cricket reference in remarks to Marco Rubio, pointing to Mumbai-born US cricketer Saurabh Netravalkar.

BharatVox · 21 October 2026 at 12:00 am IST

S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister — archive photograph (2026-04-20); not the reported event — Prime Minister's Office, GODL-India

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar jokingly told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at an event in Mumbai that understanding cricket was a prerequisite for being regarded as India’s friend, according to India Global Review.

In the light-hearted remarks, Jaishankar cited Saurabh Netravalkar, the Mumbai-born cricketer who represents the United States.

#S. Jaishankar#Marco Rubio#India-US relations#Cricket#Saurabh Netravalkar

Fact-check this story · Source: India Global Review: Jaishankar Tells Rubio to Understand Cricket to Win India’s Friendship. This AI-assisted account is based on the linked source, not independent on-the-ground reporting by BharatVox. Any opinion is separately labelled.

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