External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. They discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, defense, energy, and the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing strengthening their strategic partnership.
UNGA Session: During the ongoing 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, a significant meeting took place between India and the United States aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met face-to-face to discuss advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions extensively covered key issues such as trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and minerals.
Significant Meeting in New York
The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio amidst the high-level session of the UN General Assembly has created a buzz in global politics. Both leaders acknowledged that strengthening mutual relations between India and the US is the need of the hour. This meeting is considered particularly important for enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rubio's Major Statement on India
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated unequivocally that India is extremely important to the United States. In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, he said that India and the US complement each other not only in trade but also in security and global stability. He further added that the US is committed to working with India for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Message Shared on Social Media
Rubio also mentioned the meeting on social media platform X. He wrote that the meeting with Jaishankar was positive, and an agreement was reached to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, and mineral sectors. This statement indicates that both nations are moving towards new heights on economic and strategic levels.
Jaishankar's Response
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also termed the meeting constructive. He wrote on X that the meeting with Marco Rubio in New York was good, and they discussed bilateral and international issues. Jaishankar also stated that both countries agreed to maintain continuous contact in priority areas.
Recent Tensions and Resumption of Relations
This meeting between India and the US occurred at a time when recent trade tensions had been observed. Relations had soured after US President Donald Trump imposed heavy duties on Indian goods in response to India's imports of Russian oil. Against this backdrop, the meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio is considered a crucial step towards bringing relations back on track.
Importance of Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
India and the United States largely share similar views regarding the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries believe there should be a free and secure environment in this area. India and the US are already active on platforms like the Quad (QUAD). Following this meeting, it is expected that strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific will be further strengthened.
Quad and Multilateral Cooperation
The Quad platform, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, is crucial for the security and economic stability of the Indo-Pacific region. The role of this platform was also emphasized in Jaishankar and Rubio's discussions. Both countries clarified that they would work together to make the Quad more effective.
India's Role on the Global Stage
India's activeness on platforms like the United Nations General Assembly is continuously increasing. India is not only raising the voice of developing countries but also presenting b opinions on global issues. The US calling India an "indispensable partner" is proof that India's role on international forums has become ber than ever.
