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Washington DC: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Washington, D.C. on Thursday 28 September and the two leaders discussed a full range of issues, including key outcomes of India’s G20 presidency, and the creation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and its potential to generate transparent, sustainable, and high-standard infrastructure investments.  The External Affairs Minister and the US Secretary also emphasized the continued importance of cooperation ahead of the upcoming 2+2 Dialogue, in particular in the areas of defense, space, and clean energy.

Dr. Jaishankar, is in Washington for the second phase of his American tour. 

In a statement made on X, Minister Jaishankar remarked, “It was a pleasure to meet US Secretary of State Blinken at the State Department. We engaged in an extensive conversation, building upon the discussions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in June. We also exchanged thoughts on global developments, setting the stage for our upcoming 2+2 meeting.”

Secretary Blinken, along with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, is scheduled to be in New Delhi for this year’s annual 2+2 ministerial meeting, to be hosted by India.

Minister Jaishankar initiated his US tour in New York, where he led the Indian delegation at the annual UN General Assembly meetings.

Apart from his meeting with Secretary Blinken, he also had a meeting with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan at the White House and Trade Secretary Katherine Tai.

During his meeting with Sullivan, the two officials acknowledged the significant progress in their bilateral relationship this year and explored ways to advance it.

Subsequently, he met with Secretary Tai to discuss the expansion of trade and economic relations, recognizing their broader implications.

Indian MEA also had a meeting with Members of Congress, Administration, business and think tank heads at India House. 

Meanwhile Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has diluted his stand towards India after levelling the charge that there are “credible allegations” that agents of Government of India were behind the Khalistani terrorist Nijar’s killing on Canadian soil. In a latest statement, he said we have to engage with India constructively adding “India is an economic power and a major geo-political player”.

It is significant there is not a word on Canada in the official US State Department readout following the meeting between Blinken and Jaishankar. India’s Foreign Minister also has categorically stated that Canada is harbouring terrorists and not cooperating when it comes to extradition of the most wanted Khalistani terrorists. He has also conveyed to the entire world that politics cannot be allowed to dictate response to terrorism.