India
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on Saturday, October 31, as the two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and discussed the broader India-US partnership.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Jaishankar said he appreciated Rubio’s hospitality in Atlanta and that the two leaders had taken stock of bilateral cooperation.
“Appreciated @SecRubio’s hospitality in Atlanta for the @g20org FMM. Took stock of our bilateral cooperation,” Jaishankar wrote.
The meeting comes shortly after Rubio’s three-day official visit to India from October 20 to 22, during which he held discussions with Jaishankar on a range of bilateral issues, including the proposed India-US trade agreement. The latest interaction at the G20 gathering provides another opportunity for both countries to assess the progress of their strategic partnership amid evolving geopolitical and economic developments.
Rubio Assures India Over US-Pakistan Relations
One of the key messages emerging from Rubio’s recent India visit was Washington’s assurance that its relationship with Pakistan would not undermine its partnership with New Delhi.
During an interview with The Indian Express, Rubio was asked whether concerns were growing in India over the possibility of Washington moving closer to Islamabad, reminiscent of the diplomatic alignment between the United States and Pakistan during the 1970s under then-President Richard Nixon and his national security adviser Henry Kissinger.
Responding to the question, Rubio said the United States’ relationship with Pakistan, or any other country, would “never come at the expense” of its relationship with India.
“What everyone should be assured of in India is that our relationship, not just with Pakistan but with any country in the world, will never come at the expense of our relationship. We don’t view it that way in our relationship with India,” Rubio said.
He also pointed to his repeated engagements with Indian officials, Washington’s commitment to the proposed trade agreement and continued diplomatic exchanges as evidence of the importance the United States attaches to its partnership with India.
Rubio had previously indicated that India and the United States were close to finalising a trade deal, with only a few outstanding issues remaining. The proposed agreement remains an important component of the broader economic relationship between the two countries.
Jaishankar Holds Multiple Bilateral Meetings at G20
Apart from his engagement with Rubio, Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior representatives from key countries on the sidelines of the G20 gathering.
His discussions with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas focused on the Ukraine conflict and the evolving situation in the Gulf region.
“Discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation with EU HRVP @kajakallas,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
The External Affairs Minister also met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, with both sides continuing their diplomatic engagement on bilateral relations and international developments.
“Great to meet FM Johann Wadephul of Germany. Always look forward to my discussions with @AussenMinDE,” Jaishankar wrote.
In his meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, discussions covered bilateral relations and broader global issues. Jaishankar described the interaction as an opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual interest.
He also met Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Álvarez, with the discussions centred on strengthening bilateral ties and providing fresh momentum to the India-Mexico partnership.
“My meeting with FM Roberto Velasco Álvarez @r_velascoa of Mexico was focussed on giving a new impetus to our ties,” he said.
Jaishankar’s engagement with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand focused on reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation.
“Delighted to meet FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada today. Assessed the steady growth of our cooperation,” he posted.
India-Argentina Discuss Trade, Defence and Nuclear Cooperation
Another significant engagement was Jaishankar’s meeting with Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, where the two sides discussed a broad range of economic and strategic issues.
The discussions covered trade, critical minerals, defence and nuclear cooperation, along with multilateral issues.
“Glad to meet FM Pablo Quirno @pabloquirno of Argentina on the sidelines of @g20org #Atlanta. Discussed trade, critical minerals, defence and nuclear cooperation. Also spoke about multilateral issues,” Jaishankar said.
The series of bilateral engagements reflects India’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic partnerships across regions while exchanging views on pressing international developments.
With discussions spanning the Ukraine conflict, the Gulf situation, trade, defence, critical minerals and nuclear cooperation, the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has provided New Delhi with an important platform to advance its diplomatic priorities and review existing partnerships.
Jaishankar’s meeting with Rubio, in particular, comes at a significant moment for India-US relations, with the proposed trade agreement, strategic cooperation and Washington’s approach towards South Asia remaining important issues in the bilateral relationship.
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