Washington DC (US): The importance Washington places on New Delhi is showcased by key diplomatic engagements as the new Trump administration takes office. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz prioritised meetings with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, marking their first bilateral and international interactions, respectively.

Dr Jaishankar visited Washington at the invitation of the US government to attend Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President. His engagement began with a meeting at the US State Department's Foggy Bottom headquarters, followed by the first Quad ministerial meeting under the new administration.

Secretary Of State Marco Rubio’s First Bilateral Engagement

In a break from tradition, Secretary of State Rubio chose India for his first bilateral meeting, foregoing the customary outreach to Canada, Mexico, or NATO allies. This meeting, held less than an hour after Rubio assumed office, highlighted the strategic significance of the India-US partnership. Dr Jaishankar and Rubio discussed a wide range of issues, including regional and global concerns. Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, also participated.

Following the meeting, both leaders addressed the press, underscoring their commitment to deepening ties. Dr. Jaishankar tweeted, “Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting... Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership... Look forward to advancing our strategic cooperation.”

Quad Ministerial Meeting

Before their bilateral talks, Jaishankar and Rubio joined Penny Wong of Australia and Iwaya Takeshi of Japan for the Trump administration's inaugural Quad meeting. This partnership aims to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific through a rules-based order. Discussions, lasting over an hour, focused on expanding collaboration and ensuring a free and open region.

Dr Jaishankar later tweeted, “Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the Trump administration's inauguration. This underlines the priority it has in foreign policy.” He noted the commitment to a broader agenda and deeper collaboration, emphasizing the Quad's role as a force for global stability.

Meeting With National Security Adviser Mike Walz

Dr Jaishankar’s diplomatic engagements concluded with a meeting at the White House with NSA Mike Walz, his first international engagement since taking office. Their discussions centred on mutual cooperation for global stability and prosperity. Jaishankar remarked on social media, “Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz... Looking forward to an active and outcome-oriented agenda.”

During Trump’s inaugural address at the Capitol Rotunda, Jaishankar was seated prominently as India’s special envoy. He also interacted with key figures in the new administration, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and FBI nominee Kash Patel, further affirming the strong Indo-US partnership.