Washington, 10 November 2023 (TDI): The United States Secretary Antony Blinken met with Indian officials on Friday focusing on security issues in the evolving situation in the Indo-Pacific region, China, and the Israel-Hamas war.
Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin participated in the annual “two-plus-two” talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, emphasizing discussions on “defense and security cooperation,” as stated by India.
Secretary Blinken said that the US and India have a strong strategic relationship and would discuss critical matters with implications for the future. “The future is now,” told reporters.
“We want a free and open and prosperous Asia-Pacific, including by bolstering our ties in the Quad with Japan and Australia,” Blinken said in remarks at the start of the meeting. He added that the US believed in the rule-based order where international peace is considered as a top priority in strengthening of strong partnership.
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India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the situation in Gaza was a big concern. He added that India has always adopted a stance of peace, sovereignty, and a viable State of Palestine through credible diplomatic negotiations with recognized borders.
“Wars in Gaza and Ukraine are critical issues. Both the US and India have considered China a revisionist state through its capabilities and activities in the Pacific region,” said C. Uday Bhaskar, a retired navy officer.
Additionally, Secretary Blinken planned an intense diplomacy with regional partners to show unity over the Russia-Ukraine war. He also shared a collective response with other partners to prevent the differences in Gaza from further escalation.
In June, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States, both nations embraced a policy framework for their defense industries.
The objective is to facilitate the joint production of advanced defense systems and foster collaboration in the research and testing of prototypes.
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