External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar ensured that the horrors of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks were brought directly to the attention of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Mumbai on Tuesday.
As Rubio paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 attacks at a memorial, Jaishankar introduced him to Sunil Kudyadi, the security chief of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, who witnessed the attacks firsthand and played a crucial role during the siege.
Kudyadi recounted how Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists entered the hotel and held it under siege for nearly 60 hours. The interaction offered Rubio a firsthand account of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India’s history, which claimed 166 lives, including six American nationals.
Rubio Hears Firsthand Account of the Taj Siege
After Rubio laid a wreath to honour the victims, Jaishankar introduced Kudyadi, explaining that he had been the security official in charge at the hotel during the attack.
Kudyadi described how the attackers entered the building during the night and reached the sixth floor through the kitchen area. Jaishankar also pointed out that several people had been killed in the kitchen during the assault.
The siege lasted approximately 60 hours, leaving guests and staff trapped inside the hotel. Thirty-one Taj Hotel employees and trainees lost their lives during the attacks.
The Taj was among the principal targets when heavily armed terrorists struck Mumbai on the night of November 26, 2008. For two nights and three days, guests and employees faced a terrifying ordeal as the attackers moved through the hotel, killing people and triggering explosions.
Several hotel employees remained at their posts, helping guests and assisting in rescue efforts despite the danger.
Who Is Sunil Kudyadi?
Sunil Kudyadi emerged as one of the unsung heroes of the Taj Hotel siege. Despite being unarmed, he used his familiarity with the hotel’s complex layout to help police personnel and security forces, including Marine Commandos (MARCOS), navigate the building during rescue operations.
He remained involved throughout the prolonged crisis, helping security personnel locate routes through the sprawling property amid gunfire and explosions. His knowledge of the hotel’s layout proved valuable during efforts to rescue people trapped inside and bring the operation to an end.
Former Union Home Secretary Ram Pradhan, who headed a committee that examined the attacks, reportedly highlighted Kudyadi’s contribution and described him as an unsung hero. His guidance was considered important to security personnel navigating the hotel during the operation.
Jaishankar’s Message on Terrorism
Jaishankar’s decision to introduce Rubio to a firsthand witness of the attacks carried diplomatic significance amid closer US engagement with Pakistan under President Donald Trump.
India has repeatedly raised concerns about cross-border terrorism and urged its international partners to adopt a firm approach towards those responsible for supporting or facilitating terrorist activities.
Speaking at an event organised by the United States to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, Jaishankar stressed the need for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
“We expect our partners to show zero tolerance for terrorism,” he said, adding that India remained clear about its right to defend itself against terrorist threats.
The interaction at the Taj memorial served as a reminder of the human cost of the Mumbai attacks and the continuing importance India attaches to international cooperation against terrorism.
What Rubio Said About US-Pakistan Relations
In an interview with News18, Rubio defended Washington’s continued engagement with Pakistan, arguing that maintaining diplomatic relations gives the United States an opportunity to influence Islamabad’s conduct.
He noted that Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons and its geographical position made it important for Washington to maintain communication with the country.
Rubio said engagement could help the United States discourage activities that concern India, arguing that diplomatic channels provide an opportunity to address disagreements and security challenges.
He also reiterated Washington’s opposition to terrorism, stating that the United States opposed both terrorist activities and those who sponsor them.
The exchange highlighted the challenge facing India-US relations as New Delhi presses for stronger international action against cross-border terrorism while Washington seeks to maintain strategic and diplomatic engagement with Pakistan.