During US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Mumbai’s 26/11 memorial, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar introduced him to a Taj Hotel security official who survived the 2008 terror attacks, bringing the human cost of the tragedy into focus amid Washington’s engagement with Pakistan.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar used a poignant moment during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Mumbai to highlight the lasting impact of the November 2008 terrorist attacks. At the 26/11 memorial, Jaishankar introduced Rubio to Sunil Kudyadi, the security chief at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel who was present during the deadly siege.
Kudyadi recounted how the attackers entered the hotel and described the ordeal that unfolded over nearly 60 hours. The interaction offered Rubio a firsthand account of one of the most devastating episodes of terrorism in India’s recent history.
The visit comes at a time when the United States is seeking to maintain and expand its diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, a relationship that has long been a source of concern for New Delhi over cross-border terrorism.
After Rubio paid tribute to the victims of the November 26, 2008, attacks, Jaishankar introduced Kudyadi as the security official responsible for the hotel during the assault.
“He was the security person in charge,” Jaishankar told Rubio.
Rubio asked about the attackers’ movements inside the building. Kudyadi explained that they arrived during the night and made their way to the sixth floor through the kitchen.
“They came in the middle of the night. They went up to the sixth floor from the kitchen,” Kudyadi told the US secretary of state.
Jaishankar also pointed to the deaths inside the kitchen, while Kudyadi described the extended siege and its devastating consequences. Thirty-one Taj Hotel employees and trainees were killed during the attacks.
The Taj Mahal Palace was among several locations targeted by terrorists in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. The coordinated attacks continued for nearly three days, killing 166 people, including six American citizens, and leaving many others injured.
Kudyadi was among the hotel employees who remained involved in rescue efforts during the crisis. His knowledge of the property’s extensive and complex layout helped security personnel navigate the building as they worked to locate and evacuate people trapped inside.
Despite being unarmed, he assisted police officers and commandos, including personnel from Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS), during the operation.
His contribution was later recognised by former Union Home Secretary Ram Pradhan, who led a committee examining the attacks. Pradhan identified Kudyadi as an unsung hero, noting the importance of his guidance in helping security forces move through the sprawling hotel.
The actions of hotel employees during the siege became an enduring part of the story of the Mumbai attacks, with staff members risking their lives to assist guests amid gunfire and explosions.
Jaishankar’s decision to introduce Kudyadi to Rubio placed a personal account of the attacks at the centre of a high-level diplomatic engagement. Rather than relying solely on official statements, the interaction allowed a survivor and participant in the rescue efforts to describe the events directly.
The gesture also carried significance against the backdrop of Washington’s efforts to maintain relations with Islamabad. India has repeatedly raised concerns about terrorism originating from Pakistani territory and has urged its international partners to adopt a consistent approach toward groups responsible for attacks against Indian targets.
Jaishankar has reiterated India’s position that cooperation with international partners must include a firm commitment to combating terrorism.
“We expect our partners to show zero tolerance for terrorism,” he said at an event organised by the United States to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“We are clear on the right to defend ourselves against terrorism,” he added.
However, Rubio defended the US decision to maintain relations with Pakistan, arguing that diplomatic engagement gives Washington an opportunity to influence Islamabad’s conduct.
He pointed to Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and its geographical importance as reasons the United States needs to maintain communication with the country.
Rubio argued that keeping diplomatic channels open could help Washington address concerns raised by India.
“If we have a relationship, and we can speak to them (Pakistan)... it puts us in a position to help discourage the kinds of things that India is worried about,” he said.
Rubio also stressed that American foreign policy requires engagement with countries even when significant disagreements exist between them and Washington.
At the same time, he reiterated the US position against terrorism and those who support it.
“We are against terrorism anywhere in the world. We are against anybody who sponsors terrorism,” he said.