Trump 2.0 focuses on strengthening US-India relations, says Jaishankar after Quad meet

Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday, marking Rubio’s first bilateral engagement since taking office under the Trump 2.0 administration. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the Quad meet underscored a mutual commitment to enhancing the US-India partnership and addressing both regional and global challenges.

Reflecting on the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar noted the Trump administration’s clear interest in involving India in key initiatives. “It was evident that the Trump administration was keen on having India play a central role right from the outset. They are clearly prioritizing the bilateral relationship,” he said. The Minister emphasized that the first Trump administration had laid a strong foundation for the US-India relationship, with President Trump and Prime Minister Modi spearheading key initiatives that have continued to evolve over time.

Dr. Jaishankar also emphasized the growing importance of the Quad meet, saying, “There’s a strong sense that the current administration shares our ambition to take the Quad meet further and intensify its activities.” This highlights the shared commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The Minister expressed confidence in the strong trust between India and the US, noting that it reflects a “very high level of convergence” in their interests. “There’s a strong trust between India and the United States today, and there’s much we can achieve together on both regional and global issues,” he said. He pointed out that the talks revealed a shared desire to make their partnership bolder, larger, and more ambitious for the future.

While the discussions were broad and focused on overarching goals, both sides agreed on the need for greater ambition in their bilateral ties. “We need to be bolder, bigger, and more ambitious,” Dr. Jaishankar added, emphasizing their vision to elevate the relationship to new heights.

The meeting highlighted the growing importance of the US-India relationship, particularly in areas such as defense, emerging technologies, and the shared goal of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. As India deepens its strategic partnership with the United States, both leaders stressed the critical role of collaboration in addressing global and regional challenges.

The Indian-American community, with its increasing influence, plays a key role in strengthening these ties, especially as five individuals of Indian origin currently serve in the US Congress, showcasing their active role in shaping US-India relations.

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