Quad A Priority For Trump? Jaishankar Among Four Foreign Ministers Set To Meet In US After President's Inauguration

As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit the United States (US) to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump on 20 January, there's a significant possibility of him participating in the first Quad foreign ministers’ meeting under Trump’s second term. 

Scheduled for 21 January in Washington DC, this meeting shall bring together the foreign ministers of India, the US, Japan, and Australia, marking a crucial step in ‘reinforcing’ the Quad's commitment to addressing fresh strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

Jaishankar is expected to meet key officials, including US Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

These meetings will happen on the sidelines of the inauguration, providing an opportunity to discuss strategic, economic, and military collaborations under the renewed Quad framework.

Marco Rubio, a staunch advocate of countering China's influence, is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping US-India relations. His previously proposed bill highlights treating India on par with US allies like Japan and NATO nations regarding technology transfers.

The bill also seeks to bolster India’s defense capabilities against territorial threats and aims to block security assistance to Pakistan if linked to terrorism against India.

Despite Marco Rubio’s support for India, the recently unveiled US regulatory framework for AI software exports places India in Tier 2, subjecting it to restrictions on importing high-end computing power. 

The Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), a collaborative effort between India and the US, seeks to bridge such gaps and foster advancements in technology partnerships.

Donald Trump was the first US President to officially designate China as a strategic threat, reviving the Quad framework in 2017. 

Jaishankar’s visit underscores India’s commitment to maintaining continuity in Quad’s objectives during Trump’s second term.

Jaishankar’s trip will include discussions with prominent US officials such as NSA-designate Mike Waltz and Vice President J D Vance. Jaishankar is also expected to meet Usha Vance, the Indian-origin wife of J D Vance, fostering personal and cultural connections