On 24 May, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar landed in the United States (US) for his five-day visit. During his trip, he met with several American leaders and discussed a variety of issues, including bolstering bilateral ties through the Quad alliance, vaccine cooperation, and enhancing their economic partnership.
Jaishankar met with American National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, along with other business leaders, on Thursday. During the meeting, he discussed the need to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. According to a statement published by the White House, they “agreed that people-to-people ties and shared values are the foundation of the US-India strategic partnership that is helping to end the pandemic, supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, and providing global leadership on climate change”. They specifically highlighted the importance of the Quad alliance, which also sees the participation of Australia and Japan, in the Indo-Pacific region.
The officials also spoke of the need to work closely on the Afghanistan issue, specifically in light of the US troops’ upcoming departure from the country, scheduled to be complete by September 11. Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to the US’ “solidarity” and assistance, which amounted to up to $500 million in relief, in combating the second wave of the COVID-19 virus. Jaishankar further appreciated the US’ support for its proposal in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), in which India and South Africa, have called for a waiver of intellectual property rights protections for COVID-19-related medical equipment. The meeting ended on a positive note, with Jaishankar looking to enhance “trade, technology, and business cooperation” between the two sides to further their post-pandemic recovery.
The Indian minister also met with former US National Security Adviser HR McMaster. During their discussion, Jaishankar spoke about a strong “political effort” made to malign the incumbent Indian government’s reputation. He further dismissed reports about the rising influence of “Hindutva policies”, which commentators have blamed for attacking secularism in India, and called it “concocted political imagery.” He said that while India’s allies were “right to be concerned” about some of the recent developments, it was merely the result of the “deepening of democracy, a much broader representation in politics and in leadership positions and in civil society of people.”
Reports have suggested that Jaishankar is also likely to discuss vaccine cooperation and discuss ways to resolve the various differences between India and US-based companies on this matter. Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer are both American firms, and Indian authorities have been engaging in difficult negotiations with them to pave the way for their entry into Indian markets. However, there are several key issues, including Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) and indemnity, which continue to obstruct these negotiations (especially with Pfizer). While officials have reiterated that the issue of vaccine procurement will not be the sole focus of discussion during Jaishankar’s visit, it is likely to be a central topic in his meetings.
During his trip, he also participated in discussions at the US-India Business Council and the US India Strategic Partnership Forum. He is also scheduled to meet US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday. In addition, he will convene meetings with the Treasury, Commerce, and Energy Departments, the US Agency of International Development, and the National Science Foundation.
These meetings were the first such in-person discussions held between the two countries and are likely to further the relations between India and the Biden administration.
Indian EAM Jaishankar Discusses Security, Vaccines, and Commercial Ties During US Visit
Indian External Minister S. Jaishankar met several American leaders and discussed several issues, including vaccine cooperation and bolstering commercial and strategic ties.
May 28, 2021
SOURCE: REUTERS