External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the inaugural Quad ministerial under the new Trump administration on Tuesday, alongside his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the United States.
The meeting was held at the State Department and was followed by bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Waltz.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the US, aims to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Marco Rubio, 53, hosted the Quad meeting within hours of assuming office as Secretary of State. Addressing the media earlier, he remarked that the meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaborating with allies to address shared priorities.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their participation.”
He added, “Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration. This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states. Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. 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.”
Following the ministerial, Jaishankar held his first bilateral meeting with Rubio, lasting over an hour. India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, also attended.
The two leaders reviewed their extensive bilateral partnership and exchanged views on pressing regional and global matters.
“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,” Jaishankar stated on X.
Later, Jaishankar met NSA Mike Waltz at the White House to discuss strengthening ties between the two nations. Reflecting on the conversation, he said,
“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.”
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