In a significant meeting held in Washington D.C., United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar came together to discuss various collaborative efforts between the two nations.
This meeting comes as a follow-up to recent engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden, emphasising the growing partnership between the United States and India in addressing both regional and global challenges.
Jaishankar's visit marks his first trip to the U.S. since Modi's return to power for a third term. During their discussions, Blinken highlighted the strong relationship between the two countries, stating, “Together, the U.S. and India are working to address regional and global challenges.”
He expressed optimism about the ongoing cooperation between the nations, particularly regarding the climate crisis and initiatives aimed at promoting regional security and prosperity.
The talks also touched upon Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine in August, where he underscored the importance of achieving a “just and lasting peace for Ukraine.” Blinken reiterated this point, showcasing the United States' commitment to supporting peace efforts in the region.
Both leaders acknowledged the robust rapport between Modi and Biden, which serves as a testament to the value both nations place on their bilateral ties. Blinken mentioned that this relationship extends into strategically vital sectors such as space, semiconductors, and clean energy.
“This is a good opportunity for us to take stock of the many issues that we are working together on,” he said. The collaborative efforts are not only aimed at improving the lives of people in both countries but also making a positive contribution to the global community.
Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction with the discussions, stating his delight in holding talks with Blinken. He emphasised that the meeting was a continuation of previous discussions held in Delaware and during the QUAD meetings.
The topics covered included deepening bilateral cooperation, the situation in West Asia, recent developments in the Indian subcontinent, and the ongoing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and Ukraine.
The U.S. State Department provided further insights into the meeting, indicating that both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and coordinating closely on various regional and global challenges.
A significant focus was placed on advancing cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, which are essential for the future of both nations.