Jaishankar discusses Bangladesh with new US Secretary of State
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said he had a brief discussion on Bangladesh with the newly appointed United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, reports Indian news agency ANI.
Jaishankar was in the United States to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump as well as the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Washington, DC.
Speaking at a press conference, Jaishankar mentioned the discussion, saying, 'We had a brief discussion on Bangladesh... I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to go into more details.' He also shared the video of the press briefing on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
During the press interaction at the Indian embassy, Jaishankar answered various questions regarding India-US relations and other key topics. A journalist specifically asked whether the condition of minority communities in Bangladesh was addressed in his talks with Marco Rubio and Congressman Mike Waltz. Jaishankar acknowledged that the topic had been discussed briefly.
When questioned about the current state of India-US bilateral relations, Jaishankar emphasized the Trump administration's strong interest in enhancing ties with India. He pointed out that India's presence at the presidential inauguration reflected the administration’s prioritization of the partnership. He added that the two countries were continuing to build on a solid foundation to strengthen their relationship further.
Jaishankar also noted the Trump administration’s eagerness to advance the Quad alliance and intensify its collaborative activities. The Quad, comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, has been an important platform for regional and global cooperation.
On the issue of Indian nationals living abroad without legal status, Jaishankar reiterated India’s position, stating that New Delhi is open to the 'legitimate return' of such individuals, including those in the United States. He emphasized that India’s stance on the matter has remained "consistent" and "principled." This position was clearly communicated to Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their discussions.
The visit underscored the growing importance of India-US relations, with both nations aligning on several key issues to deepen their strategic partnership.
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