India, US Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Welcome Aviation Deal Progress
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-US strategic partnership through the Quad grouping. The two leaders also welcomed significant progress in negotiations for a landmark bilateral commercial aviation deal.
Key Takeaways
- India and US commit to strengthening partnership via the Quad.
- Progress welcomed on a new, ambitious commercial aviation deal.
- Discussions covered iCET implementation, climate crisis, and Indo-Pacific security.
- Jaishankar also held wide-ranging talks with US NSA Jake Sullivan.
High-Level Meetings in Washington
Jaishankar, on his first US visit after the Modi 3.0 government took office, met Blinken in Washington DC. Describing it as a “good meeting,” Jaishankar posted on X that they discussed advancing the strategic partnership across various domains.
“A good meeting with my friend US Secretary of State @SecBlinken today in Washington DC. Discussed advancing our strategic partnership in different domains,” Jaishankar said.
“Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen it through Quad. Welcomed the progress in our Civil Aviation cooperation.”
Focus on iCET and Shared Priorities
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed the discussions covered several shared priorities. A key focus was the continued implementation of the historic initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
Miller’s readout stated the leaders “reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership through the Quad and welcomed progress on a new, ambitious chapter in our commercial aerospace collaboration.”
The talks also emphasized redoubling efforts to tackle the climate crisis and promoting an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Talks with US National Security Advisor
Earlier, Jaishankar held a wide-ranging discussion with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. They spoke about the continuing transformation of India-US relations and its global significance, along with regional and global issues.
“A wide ranging discussion with US NSA @JakeSullivan46 today. Spoke about the continuing transformation of India-US relations and its significance for global politics. Also exchanged views on regional and global issues,” Jaishankar noted.
Jaishankar arrived in New York on Saturday and will proceed to Washington DC after concluding his engagements there.
