“New US Secretary of State and NSA Hold First Bilateral Talks with India’s Foreign Minister”
January 22, 2025: Washington DC: The newly inaugurated Trump administration underscored its commitment to strengthening US-India ties by scheduling its first high-level meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. These meetings, including bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz, signal India’s significant role in the US’s foreign policy priorities.
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Highlights of the Key Meetings:
1. First Bilateral Meeting with Marco Rubio
Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2025
Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate.
Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues.
Look… pic.twitter.com/NVpBUEAyHK
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- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio chose India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar for his first international engagement, deviating from traditional outreach to Canada, Mexico, or NATO allies.
- The meeting at the Foggy Bottom headquarters addressed a range of strategic issues, with a focus on advancing the India-US partnership.
- Dr Jaishankar expressed optimism, tweeting, “Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership… Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation.”
2. Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong & Takeshi Iwaya for their participation.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2025
Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump Administration. This… pic.twitter.com/uGa4rjg1Bw
- Dr Jaishankar joined Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Secretary Rubio for the first Quad meeting under the Trump administration.
- Discussions focused on promoting a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific.
- Dr Jaishankar noted the urgency of this meeting, saying, “This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states.”
3. Meeting with National Security Adviser Mike Walz
Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2025
Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity.
Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome oriented agenda.
🇮🇳 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/LUlc1WBbWm
- Dr Jaishankar was the first international diplomat to meet newly appointed NSA Mike Walz at the White House.
- Talks centered on strengthening bilateral ties to ensure mutual benefits and enhance global stability.
- Dr Jaishankar shared his enthusiasm for a “productive and outcome-oriented agenda” with the US.
Additional Engagements
- Dr Jaishankar attended President Trump’s inaugural address and met with key figures of the new administration, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
- The minister highlighted the “great honour” of representing India during this historic moment.