EAM Jaishankar Holds Talks with US Secretary Blinken on Bilateral and Global Issues

GG News Bureau
Munich, 17th Feb. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of a security conference in Munich on Friday. The discussions centered on key bilateral matters and regional concerns, including the situations in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific.

“Great to meet my friend US @SecBlinken this afternoon on #MSC2024 sidelines. Our talk centered on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. Reviewed the continuing progress in our bilateral ties,” S Jaishankar stated on X.

During the meeting, S Jaishankar and Antony Blinken delved into various aspects of the strategic relationship between India and the United States. The dialogue highlighted the significant advancements in bilateral relations, particularly in defense and high-technology sectors.

Earlier, the Biden administration had formally informed the US Congress about its proposed supply of 31 MQ-9B Predator long endurance drones to India. This development marked a significant step forward in solidifying the substantial deal announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in June last year.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency of the US government provided the necessary certification to Congress, notifying them of the potential sale.

The discussions between Jaishankar and Blinken occurred amidst recent tensions following Washington’s allegations in December regarding the thwarting of an alleged plot involving an Indian agent to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil.

US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working with an Indian government employee in the foiled scheme. India has initiated an investigation into the allegations by forming a probe committee.”