EAM Jaishankar Engages with Antony Blinken and US NSA Sullivan in Washington
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Washington, Dec 27 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has conducted his final set of discussions with his counterpart in the outgoing administration led by Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
"Delighted to meet @SecBlinken yesterday evening in Washington D.C," EAM Jaishankar shared on X on Friday.
"Reviewed the advancement of (India-US) partnership over the last four years. Agreed that our cooperation has strengthened in many domains, just as our comfort levels have grown correspondingly. Confident that the India-US relationship will serve our mutual interests as well as global good," he added.
There was no official summary of their meeting from the US side.
S. Jaishankar also met with Sullivan earlier in the day.
"Good to meet US NSA @JakeSullivan46 in Washington D.C. this morning. A wide-ranging discussion on the progress of (India-US) strategic partnership. Also exchanged views on current regional and global developments."
The External Affairs Minister has cultivated a close rapport with both American officials, and Blinken had even invited him for dinner at his residence on at least one occasion.
S. Jaishankar's counterpart in the upcoming Trump administration, which is set to commence on January 20, 2025, is expected to be Marco Rubio, pending Senate confirmation.
The new NSA will be Mike Waltz, who can begin his role without the need for confirmation.
Both officials are optimistic about strengthening ties with India; Rubio introduced a bill earlier this year advocating for a US policy to support India in countering threats to its internationally recognized borders, ensuring security assistance to deter violations by foreign entities, and fostering cooperation in defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.
Waltz, a former House of Representatives member, previously led the House India Caucus alongside Ro Khanna, a lawmaker of Indian descent.
