Amidst the backdrop of escalating tensions across various global hotspots, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar engaged in crucial diplomatic talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the conference, delved into pressing issues spanning West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Detailing the essence of their discussions, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the need for strategic cooperation and dialogue, particularly regarding the evolving situations in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. The meeting underscored the ongoing progress in bilateral ties between India and the United States.
Great to meet my friend US @SecBlinken this afternoon on #MSC2024 sidelines.
Our talk centered on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine and Indo-Pacific. Reviewed the continuing progress in our bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/adZSFKw5By
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 16, 2024
Additionally, a statement from the US State Department highlighted the comprehensive exchange between the two leaders concerning maritime security in the Red Sea. The conversation addressed the imperative of safeguarding freedom of navigation amidst rising tensions exacerbated by attacks on international shipping in the region, notably by the Iranian-backed Houthi group. The Yemen-based militia’s claimed they have escalated the actions due to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Furthermore, speaking of the other talking points discussed during the Foreign Ministerial level meet, the US State Department added, “Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar highlighted that the respective U.S. and Indian approaches to maritime security in the Red Sea are mutually reinforcing and play important roles in safeguarding economic stability in the region.”
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, EAM Dr. S Jaishnkar also engaged in series of diplomatic talks with range of international leaders. He met High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles where the two discussed great potential to deepen EU-India strategic partnership in areas of strong convergence, such as the Indo-Pacific and on security & defence. EAM Dr. Jaishankar also met Foreign Minister Diana Mondino of Argentina, Minister of National Defense of Greece Nikos Dendias and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
