Jaishankar holds talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Munich

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, focusing on key bilateral issues as well as the situation in West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting took place during the Munich Security Conference.

Jaishankar also held separate meetings with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontales, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel.

“It was a pleasure to meet my friend US @SecBlinken on the sidelines of #MSC2024 this afternoon. Our conversation focused on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar reviewed the continued progress of our bilateral relationship.

It is understood that Jaishankar and Blinken reviewed various aspects of India-US strategic relations.

India-US relations have made significant progress over the past few years, especially in the defense and high-tech sectors.

More than two weeks ago, the Biden administration notified the U.S. Congress of its intention to supply 31 MQ-9B Predator long-endurance drones to India.

The move is seen as a major development to solidify the mega deal announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in June last year.

The U.S. government’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency provided the required certifications to notify Congress of the possible sale.

The Jaishankar-Blinken talks also come after Washington accused Washington in December of foiling a plot by an Indian agent to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu on US soil. There was some uneasiness.

U.S. federal prosecutors have accused Nikhil Gupta, an Indian citizen, of working with an Indian government employee to foil the plot.

India has set up a commission of inquiry to look into the allegations.

The foreign secretary described his talks with British counterpart David Cameron as “a good discussion”.

“There were good discussions on our bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues. Views were also exchanged on the ongoing cricket matches,” he said on X.

The England cricket team is playing a five-match Test series in India. The two teams are currently playing the third Test match in Rajkot.

During his meeting with Borrell, Jaishankar said they exchanged views on the current global situation.

“It was a pleasure to meet EU HRVP @JosepBorrellF in Munich. Both sides exchanged views on the current global situation. Looking forward to welcoming him to India,” Jaishankar said in another post on X.

Regarding the meeting with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel, Jaishankar said he welcomed the country’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

“Great to see Bulgaria’s DPM and FM @GabrielMariya on the sidelines at #MSC2024.

Discussed our growing bilateral relations and welcomed Bulgaria’s decision to join @isolaralliance. Jaishankar also exchanged views on the conflict in Ukraine.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)