S Jaishankar became the first foreign minister to hold a bilateral meeting with new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Washington: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar participated in the first Quad ministerial of the new Donald Trump administration this week, where he discussed “different dimensions” of ensuring a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific, with his counterparts.
The Quad Ministers, which also included new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australia’s Penny Wong, and Takeshi Iwaya of Japan, agreed on intensifying collaboration with each other. Jaishankar said the meeting was “significant” as it took place a day after Donald Trump took oath as the 47th US President.
“We agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda, and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good,” Jaishankar said.
Quad is a strategic grouping aimed at addressing China’s military aggression in the South China Sea, and Beijing claims the entire portion of it.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met new US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. (Photos courtesy: X@DrSJaishankar)
Shortly after the group's meeting, Jaishankar said he was delighted to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for "his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office". The meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, was the first foreign policy engagement not only for Rubio but also for the Trump administration.
Both leaders reviewed the bilateral ties and exchanged views on several regional and global issues. “Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State.
Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate. Also, exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation,” the EAM tweeted.
Jaishankar also met US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and said he looked forward to “working together on an active and outcome-oriented agenda”. “Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon. Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity,” he said.
EAM speaks up on 2023 consulate attack, deportationExternal Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, who was in the US to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, called the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco in 2023 a “very serious matter”. He added that India expects accountability for the incident and those responsible to be held accountable. During a press interaction, he also clarified that New Delhi is open to the "legitimate return" of Indian nationals living 'illegally' abroad, including in the US. He affirmed that India's position on the issue has been "consistent" and "principled" and he did clearly convey this to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. |
