External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged on Sunday in high-level diplomatic discussions in Washington, meeting with Japanese and Australian Foreign Ministers to strengthen bilateral ties and assess regional cooperation under the Quad framework.
Jaishankar held talks with Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, focusing on the progress of bilateral initiatives and recent developments concerning the Quad. Sharing details on X, he said, “Good to meet with FM Takeshi Iwaya of Japan. Reviewed the progress in our bilateral cooperation. Also discussed developments pertaining to Quad.”
In another significant engagement, Jaishankar met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, where they discussed global affairs and regional dynamics. He described the meeting as insightful, saying, “Delighted to meet FM Penny Wong, a Quad colleague, in Washington DC today. As always, enjoyed our discussion on the state of the world.”
Jaishankar is in Washington as India’s official representative for the swearing-in ceremony of US President-elect Donald J. Trump, who will assume office as the 47th President of the United States. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar was invited by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee to attend the historic event.
The MEA said in a statement, “On the invitation of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will represent the Government of India at the Swearing-In Ceremony of President-Elect Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America.”
During the visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet representatives of the incoming US administration and other dignitaries attending the ceremony. The swearing-in is set to take place Monday, two weeks after the US Congress certified Trump’s Electoral College victory.
Earlier, on January 17, Jaishankar attended the inauguration of the US Consulate in Bangalore alongside US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. Praising the development as a pivotal moment in India-US relations, he also announced India’s plans to open a new consulate in Los Angeles soon. Speaking at the event, Jaishankar underscored the growing partnership between the two nations, calling the consulate’s opening a long-overdue milestone in their diplomatic ties.
(Inputs from ANI)
