External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Rubio and NSA Michael Waltz. Representing India at Trump's inauguration, they discussed cooperation within the Quad meeting.
America: The first Quad (QUAD) meeting at the ministerial level was held during Donald Trump's new term. This significant meeting also included bilateral talks between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
India's Representation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at this meeting held in Washington D.C. He was accompanied by India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra. This meeting took place during Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
Issues Discussed
According to the US Department of State, both leaders discussed regional issues and opportunities to deepen US-India relations. Particular attention was given to the following:
Critical and Emerging Technologies: Strengthening technological cooperation.
Defense Cooperation: Deepening defense partnerships.
Energy: Increasing cooperation in the energy sector.
Indo-Pacific Region: Ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Secretary of State Rubio also emphasized the Trump administration's interest in strengthening economic ties and resolving immigration concerns.
Jaishankar's Statement
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar shared pictures of his meeting with Rubio on his X handle. He wrote, "Delighted to meet Secretary Rubio for my first bilateral meeting since assuming office as External Affairs Minister. We reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership."
Meeting with US NSA
Jaishankar also met with US National Security Advisor (NSA) Michael Waltz. Following the meeting, he wrote, "Met with NSA Michael Waltz to discuss areas of bilateral benefit and global stability. We will work towards a productive agenda."
Discussion of the Quad Meeting
Representatives from Australia and Japan also participated in the Quad countries' meeting. The meeting discussed the following issues:
Indo-Pacific Region Stability: Ensuring a free, open, and prosperous region.
Accelerating Cooperation: The need for a larger vision to address global challenges.
Jaishankar stated that the Quad will serve as a force for global good.
First Bilateral Meeting with India
It is noteworthy that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held his first bilateral meeting with India. This historic step signals the prioritization of US-India relations. Typically, the US administration holds its first meetings with Canada, Mexico, or NATO countries, but India was chosen this time.
