What Did EAM Jaishankar Discuss with Japan's Foreign Minister?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar and Takeshi Iwaya meet to enhance Quad collaboration.
- Focus on Indo-Pacific stability and prosperity.
- Discussion includes infrastructure, investment, and security.
- Sets the stage for the Quad Leaders' Summit.
- Emphasis on equal contributions among Quad nations.
New York, July 1 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Washington, focusing on enhancing Quad collaboration in preparation for the upcoming ministerial meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
The two leaders will be joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting (QFMM).
Jaishankar shared on X that he and Iwaya discussed strategies for strengthening Quad engagement to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He emphasized, “Our Special, Strategic and Global Partnership continues to deepen and diversify.”
The dialogue also encompassed a range of topics including infrastructure, investment, and mobility.
Just last week, EAM Jaishankar had a phone conversation with Wong to align discussions ahead of the Quad meeting.
This gathering marks the ministers’ first meeting since the Pahalgam attack orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terrorists and India's subsequent decisive 'Operation Sindoor'.
The ministerial is anticipated to set the stage for the forthcoming Quad Leaders' Summit, to be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will see the participation of US President Donald Trump and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Ishiba Shigeru of Japan later this year.
EAM Jaishankar noted significant advancements within the Quad since its revival during Trump's initial term.
During a Newsweek fireside chat in New York on Monday, he stated that the ministers aim to “take stock and explore future directions.”
He elaborated on the agenda, highlighting numerous Indo-Pacific issues such as maritime safety, security, connectivity, technology, pandemic preparedness, and education.
Countries from the four corners of the Indo-Pacific are uniting with a shared goal of fostering a more stable and prosperous region, willing to collaborate on a practical basis.
In contrast to his criticisms of other international organizations like NATO regarding equitable burdens, Trump’s approach to the Quad has been different, as per EAM Jaishankar. “It’s an equal arrangement where every participant contributes fairly,” he underscored.
“This is a modern and acceptable way of collaboration,” he concluded.