West Asia, Indo-Pacific dominate Jaishankar, Blinken dialogue

India and the US discussed current developments in West Asia, and talked about the Indo-Pacific and bilateral cooperation during a meeting between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his US counterpart Antony Blinken in Washington DC.

Jaishankar covered recent developments in the Indian subcontinent and advancing cooperation on critical and emerging technologies.

"Delighted to hold talks with Secretary Blinken today in Washington DC. We followed up on the Delaware bilateral and Quad meetings. Our discussions also covered deepening bilateral cooperation, situation in West Asia, recent developments in the Indian subcontinent, the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine," Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.


In a statement after the meeting, the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the two leaders discussed plans to expand collaboration on clean energy initiatives as well to address the global climate crisis.

"Secretary Blinken and external affairs minister Jaishankar discussed the United States and India's enduring commitment to deepening bilateral ties, coordinating closely on regional and global challenges, and advancing cooperation on critical and emerging technologies," the statement read. It added that the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv was also discussed and the US side reiterated the importance of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

In his remarks just prior to the meeting, Blinken referred to the Iranian attack on Israel, saying that it is totally unacceptable and the entire world needs to condemn the actions.

On the bilateral front, Blinken referred to PM Modi's meetings with President Joe Biden and the meeting of Quad leaders, saying the ambition of the relationship is at an unprecedented level

"I think it's a reflection of the value that both countries attach to this partnership," he said. Blinken also acknowledged the critical role that India plays on the global stage, working for peace, stability and security.