'Very clear that Trump administration is prioritising India': S Jaishankar in US
Washington DC/IBNS: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Wednesday said that it is clear that the Donald Trump administration clearly prioritises bilateral relations with India as he described the special treatment extended to him during the inaugural ceremony.
"It is very clear that the Trump administration is prioritising the bilateral relationship with India," Jaishankar said during a press conference at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday held his inaugural bilateral meeting with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar after taking charge.
Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/NVpBUEAyHK
Jaishankar said that one of the concerns he raised in his meeting with his US counterpart Marco Rubio was that of the delay in the visa process. "It hampers work, business, travel, and tourism," the minister said.
Expressing his gratitude for the hospitality he received, and for being given the front seat at the Trump inauguration, Jaishankar said, "A special envoy of Prime Minister Modi is naturally treated very well."
Speaking to the press in Washington DC.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 22, 2025
https://t.co/DJsRaAyXAJ
Speaking about his meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz, Dr Jaishankar said that the efforts of the new Trump administration are to build on the "strong foundation" laid by the previous Trump administration.
Jaishankar, who represented India at Donald Trump's inauguration as the US president on Monday, also attended the Quad meeting.
For the beginners, the Quad is a grouping of four countries - Australia, India, Japan and the United States - aimed at maintaining peace and law and order in the Indo-Pacific region.