Daijiworld Media Network – Washington DC

Washington, Jul 2: In a significant diplomatic engagement, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, reinforcing the growing synergy between New Delhi and Washington DC.

Dr Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the United States from June 30 to July 2 at Rubio’s invitation, took to social media platform X, stating, “A pleasure meeting US @SecRubio this afternoon, on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting.”

During the high-level meeting, the leaders exchanged views on strengthening the India-US bilateral partnership, covering critical sectors including trade, security, critical technologies, energy, mobility, and connectivity. They also delved into regional and global developments, reaffirming their mutual commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Further bolstering India’s defence diplomacy, Dr Jaishankar also held discussions with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The two leaders explored avenues to deepen the India-US defence collaboration, highlighting the increasing convergence of strategic interests, defence capabilities, and global responsibilities.

“Great to meet @SecDef Pete Hegseth in Washington DC today. Had a productive conversation on advancing the India-US defence partnership, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities,” Dr Jaishankar posted on X.

The meetings signal India’s proactive role in enhancing multilateral and bilateral ties with key global players, particularly in the backdrop of strategic cooperation through forums like the Quad alliance, which comprises India, the US, Japan, and Australia.