India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a significant meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit. The high-level discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, alongside broader regional and global issues. Minister Jaishankar shared his positive engagement on the social media platform X, stating, “Glad to meet @SecRubio this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciated the discussion on our bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues.” This diplomatic exchange underscores the robust engagement between India and the United States on critical foreign policy matters.
Earlier, Secretary Rubio addressed concerns regarding the US’s renewed engagement with Pakistan, asserting that it would not detract from the “deep, historic, and important” partnership with India. Speaking to reporters, Rubio emphasized that New Delhi understands the necessity of a mature diplomatic approach that involves engaging with multiple countries. He stated, “I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important.” Rubio acknowledged India’s historical sensitivities with Pakistan but highlighted the US’s strategic imperative to broaden its international relationships.
“We have to have relations with a lot of different countries. We see an opportunity to expand our strategic relationship with Pakistan, and that’s our job – to try to figure out how many countries we can find and how we can work with them on things of common interest,” Rubio explained. He also commended India’s sophisticated diplomatic capabilities, noting, “the Indians are very mature when it comes to diplomacy and things of that nature. They have some relationships with countries that we don’t have relationships with. It’s part of a mature, pragmatic foreign policy.” These remarks come as the US administration increases its diplomatic outreach to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, India and ASEAN nations reinforced their partnership at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participating virtually, emphasized key areas for enhanced collaboration, including counter-terrorism, the review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, and maritime security. This marked the Prime Minister’s 12th participation in the ASEAN-India Summit. Leaders reviewed the progress of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed future initiatives. Prime Minister Modi underscored the global challenge posed by terrorism and the critical need for unified action.