India In Focus Under Trump 2.0: New US Secretary Of State Rubio And NSA Walz Hold Their First Official Meetings With EAM Jaishankar

Highlighting New Delhi's significance in Washington's foreign policy under the Trump administration, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz chose External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for their first bilateral and international engagements.

EAM S Jaishankar arrived in Washington at the invitation of the US Government to witness Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.

His meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, representing the world's largest and oldest democracies, was held at the State Department's Foggy Bottom headquarters.

The bilateral meeting was preceded by the first Quad ministerial meet after Donald Trump became President.

Ahead of the bilateral talks, the first Quad ministerial meeting under the new Trump administration was convened. Marco Rubio's decision to prioritise India for his first bilateral engagement breaks with the tradition of past US administrations, which typically began with Canada, Mexico, or NATO allies.

The bilateral meeting between new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jaishankar comes less than an hour after the former officially took office.

The discussions spanned the full spectrum of the India-US strategic partnership, with India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, also in attendance.

Following their meeting, Secretary Rubio and Jaishankar appeared together before the international media, shaking hands and posing for official photographs.

"Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State. Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate. Also exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation," Jaishankar wrote on social media platform X shortly after the meeting.

Before the bilateral talks, Jaishankar joined Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan's Iwaya Takeshi for the Trump administration's inaugural Quad meeting.

This four-nation diplomatic and security forum focuses on preserving peace and navigation freedoms under a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

The Quad meeting lasted over an hour, concluding with the leaders appearing before the press for a customary group photograph.

"Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their participation," Jaishankar wrote.

He added that it is "Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration. This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states. Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

He further noted that the four leaders "Agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good."

After these two meetings, Jaishankar held another top meeting - with new US National Security Adviser or NSA Mike Walz.

For Walz too, this was his first international meeting since taking office earlier that same day. The meeting took place at the White House.

"Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon. Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity. Looking forward to working together on an active and outcome oriented agenda," Dr Jaishankar said after the meeting.

On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was seen in the front-row as President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC.

Calling it a "great honour" to represent India as its special envoy, Jaishankar also met several members of the new administration, including 56th House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and FBI Director nominee Kash Patel.

Jaishankar also greeted Vivek Ramaswamy, who had recently quit the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency to explore a potential run for Ohio Governor.

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