S. Jaishankar-Blinken Pave Way for 5th India-US 2+2 Dialogue
In a significant diplomatic rendezvous, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, on Friday. This crucial meeting preceded the annual “two plus two” talks, setting the stage for the upcoming 5th India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
S. Jaishankar underscored the importance of Blinken's visit, emphasizing the necessity to build upon the significant visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June and US President Joe Biden in September. The External Affairs Minister noted, “This visit has a particular significance because we need to follow up on PM Modi's June visit and President Biden's September visit. This is a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, so we take a broader view of what we are doing.”
Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the discussions, Jaishankar pointed to the Indo-Pacific as a focal point, especially as members of the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). Additionally, he expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia, referring to it as a “big concern.”
Expressing gratitude, Jaishankar thanked the United States government and President Biden for their crucial support during the recently concluded G20 Summit in September. “We had a very successful G20 Summit in September, and I do want to thank you, the US government, and President Biden on behalf of Prime Minister Modi, because I think without the strong support which the US gave us, I don't think we would have got the consensus and the outcomes that we did,” said S. Jaishankar.
In response, Blinken conveyed his pleasure at being in India and stressed the remarkable strengthening of ties between the two nations. “It is always wonderful to be here in India. We are building a remarkable year of engagement…We have not only the strongest bilateral partnership we've ever had, but also a regional one, and indeed, a global one that was further evidenced by India's leadership for the G20 this year.”
Acknowledging the shared focus on the Indo-Pacific, Blinken emphasized the urgency of US-India collaboration in the region. “We have a lot to do, including with our defense colleagues. I think it's further evidence of our resolute focus for the United States on the Indo-Pacific, our region for the future, the future is actually now, and we're building it together with India.”
Blinken arrived in New Delhi from South Korea, marking the latest leg of a comprehensive trip that included a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Japan and a whirlwind tour of the Middle East.
Both Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin are set to join Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for the 5th India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, which will specifically focus on “defense and security cooperation.”
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi expressed optimism, stating that Blinken's visit will further enhance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. “A warm welcome to U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken as he arrives in New Delhi to co-chair the 5th India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The visit will give a further boost to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership!” Bagchi said in a social media post.
Click for more updates and the latest lifestyle news, along with Web stories updates. Also, get the latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at Speed News
