External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held his first bilateral meeting with newly-appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where they reviewed the extensive India-US partnership and discussed a range of regional and global issues. The meeting took place just hours after Rubio assumed office, marking a significant start to their diplomatic collaboration.
Sharing moments from the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, “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.”
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, DC, hosted by Secretary Rubio. The meeting brought together Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya, highlighting the Quad’s shared commitment to a free and stable Indo-Pacific.
In a post on X, Jaishankar described the Quad discussions as productive and strategic. “Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump Administration. Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he noted, emphasizing the need for expanded collaboration among Quad nations.
Jaishankar also met US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. He shared on X, “Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon. Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity. Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome-oriented agenda.”
The Quad, comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, is a diplomatic coalition dedicated to fostering an inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar highlighted the group’s role as a “force for global good,” stating, “Agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda, and intensifying our collaboration.”
The diplomatic engagements coincided with the swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States at the US Capitol, where Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath. Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, emphasized priorities such as addressing inflation and expanding domestic energy production.
(Inputs from ANI)
