New Delhi/Washington, Jan 22: A day after Donald Trump took oath as the 47th President of the United States, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in the first Quad Ministerial meeting under the new administration on Tuesday.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar also held his first bilateral meeting with the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed various issues related to India-US strategic partnership. The meeting continued for over an hour and was also attended by India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra.
“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,” wrote Jaishankar on ‘X’ after meeting Rubio.
This was Rubio’s first such meeting after assuming charge which underscores the importance being given to India in the new Trump administration.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also attended the Quad meeting alongside Jaishankar and Rubio.
Taking to his official ‘X’ handle, Jaishankar shared pictures of the meeting and wrote “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."
Emphasizing on the fact that the meeting took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump Administration, Jaishankar 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.”
At the end of their two-hour-long meeting, the four Quad leaders gathered for a group photo at the State Department. They, however, chose not to take any questions from the press.
