EAM Jaishankar Advocates for Enhanced Boldness and Ambition in Ties with Trump Administration
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Synopsis
EAM S Jaishankar met with key Trump administration members, emphasizing the need for bolder and more ambitious ties. He highlighted the importance of India's presence and the desire to enhance the Quad's activities, building upon previous initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting with Trump administration emphasized stronger ties.
- Consensus on being bolder and more ambitious.
- Significant importance placed on India's presence.
- Quad operations to be intensified.
- Foundation of relationship strengthened since 2017.
Washington, Jan 23 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar engaged with prominent figures of the Trump administration on Wednesday.
The minister, who was present at President Donald Trump’s inauguration as a special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Quad ministerial and a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, marking their second interaction since last December.
Additionally, he met with other cabinet members, Republican congressional leaders, including Speakers Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
“I believe now you recognize that this was the inaugural day of the administration,” remarked the External Affairs Minister regarding his Tuesday discussions.
“We had a broad conversation that didn’t delve deeply into specifics, but there was a consensus reached that we must be bolder, bigger, and more ambitious,” he stated.
Reflecting on his overall impressions from the meetings, he noted, “Firstly, it was evident that the Trump administration was eager to include India at the inauguration, clearly emphasizing the importance of our bilateral relationship.”
“Secondly, it was clear that they aim to build on the existing foundation of the relationship, which was significantly developed during the first Trump administration,” he added.
He mentioned that President Trump and Prime Minister Modi initiated several key projects that have matured in various ways.
“Thirdly, there was a very strong sentiment from the current administration to reciprocate our aspirations to advance the Quad and enhance its operations,” he noted.
He emphasized that it was under the first Trump administration that the Quad, which includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia, was “restarted” in 2017.
This group, originally formed after the 2004 Tsunami, had disbanded by 2008 when Australia withdrew due to pressure from China.
Jaishankar highlighted that the convening of the Quad foreign ministers on the first day of the administration and shortly after Secretary Rubio took office “was a significant message.”
