Washington: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC, where they focused on collaboration to tackle regional and global challenges. This meeting marked Jaishankar’s first visit to the US capital since the third Modi administration took office, and it took place on Tuesday at the US State Department’s Foggy Bottom headquarters.
Following their discussions, Blinken stated, “The US and India are united in addressing both regional and global challenges. Dr. S. Jaishankar and I explored our ongoing partnership regarding the climate crisis and efforts to enhance regional security and prosperity.” Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction with the talks, mentioning, “I was glad to engage with Blinken in Washington DC, building on the previous Delaware bilateral discussion and the QUAD meetings. We addressed deepening bilateral relations, the situation in West Asia, recent events in the Indian subcontinent, developments in the Indo-Pacific, and the situation in Ukraine.” He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with US President Joe Biden.
On September 21, President Biden welcomed PM Modi for a bilateral meeting at his Delaware home, which was later attended by leaders from Australia and Japan for the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Jaishankar and Blinken “talked about the enduring commitment of the US and India to strengthen bilateral relations, closely coordinate on various challenges, and enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.”
Blinken also highlighted the importance of a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine, echoing Modi’s August visit to Kyiv, and mentioned discussions about expanding collaboration on clean energy initiatives to combat the global climate crisis. Welcoming Jaishankar, Blinken remarked on the unprecedented warmth and ambition in the relationship following the recent Biden-Modi meeting.
He further emphasized the significant value both nations place on their partnership across various sectors, including strategic technology, space, semiconductors, and clean energy, which is creating new opportunities for people in both countries and globally. “India’s crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and security is contributing to our collaboration,” he added. “With the recent UN General Assembly events and our meetings with the QUAD, this is a suitable moment to review the many shared initiatives aimed at improving our citizens’ lives while positively impacting the world.”
Earlier the same day, Jaishankar participated in a discussion at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a prominent American think tank.
