Quad as a Catalyst for Global Good: S. Jaishankar in the U.S.
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Synopsis
During a significant meeting in Washington DC, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Quad counterparts discussed vital aspects of a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific, reaffirming that the Quad will remain a force for global good.
Key Takeaways
- Quad's role in ensuring a free Indo-Pacific.
- Collaboration among Quad member states is crucial.
- Strategic measures against China's military assertiveness.
- Importance of bilateral relations with the U.S.
- Focus on global stability and prosperity.
Washington, Jan 22 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar took part in the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Washington DC on Tuesday. During the discussions with his counterparts, he emphasized the various aspects of fostering a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific, stating in a tweet that the Quad will persist as a force for global good.
Alongside EAM Jaishankar, the Quad Ministers included the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australia's Penny Wong, and Japan's Takeshi Iwaya, who collectively agreed on enhancing collaboration.
EAM Jaishankar characterized the meeting as crucial, occurring just a day after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.
“I participated in a productive Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting today in Washington DC. Grateful to @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their invaluable contributions,” he mentioned.
“It is significant that the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting happened within hours of the Trump administration's inauguration. This highlights its importance in the foreign policy agendas of member states. Our comprehensive discussions revolved around various aspects of ensuring a free, open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he added.
“We acknowledged the need for broader thinking, expanding our agenda, and enhancing our collaboration. Today's meeting conveys a strong message that amidst uncertainty and volatility, the Quad will remain a force for global good,” he further stated.
The Quad is a strategic alliance designed to counter China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea, an area claimed entirely by Beijing.
EAM Jaishankar also engaged in a bilateral discussion with Rubio, marking his first bilateral meeting since Rubio assumed office as Secretary of State. The two leaders reviewed their bilateral relations and shared perspectives on numerous regional and global matters.
“It was a pleasure to meet @secrubio for his inaugural bilateral meeting following his appointment as Secretary of State. We assessed our extensive bilateral partnership, which @secrubio has ardently supported. We also exchanged insights on a broad spectrum of regional and global issues. I look forward to working closely with him to advance our strategic collaboration,” he tweeted.
The EAM additionally met with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and expressed his eagerness to “collaborate on a dynamic and results-driven agenda.”
“It was great to reconnect with NSA @michaelgwaltz this afternoon. We discussed enhancing our friendship to secure mutual benefits and bolster global stability and prosperity,” he stated.
Jaishankar is currently in the US Capital, where he attended Trump's inauguration at the Capitol Rotunda. He expressed that it was a profound honor to represent India at the oath-taking ceremony of Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
Sources indicated that EAM Jaishankar delivered a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Trump on Monday.
Seated in the front row at Trump's inauguration, Jaishankar's position signified India's intention to foster strong ties with the Trump administration.
He was positioned in the first column alongside Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa, while his Japanese and Australian counterparts were seated two rows behind at the event.
