S. Jaishankar's US Visit: Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Asserting India’s Global Stand

World News: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is currently on a three-day official visit to the United States, taking place from June 30 to July 2. The visit is being held at the special invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During his stay in Washington, D.C., Jaishankar has engaged in several high-level meetings with American leadership, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing key global challenges.

Key Meeting During the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Gathering

At the outset of his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting. The two leaders held comprehensive discussions aimed at deepening the India-US strategic partnership. Topics of conversation included trade, defense, technological innovation, energy security, regional connectivity, and mobility.

Sharing details on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar wrote that the discussion was not only beneficial for advancing bilateral cooperation but also served as a concrete step toward aligning shared regional and global interests.

#WATCH | Washington, DC | US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar

(Source: US Department of State) pic.twitter.com/EPpyVcXOzi

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025

Strengthening Defense Partnership with the US

Dr. Jaishankar also met with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to explore ways to further boost India-US defense collaboration. He described the meeting as productive and focused on enhancing mutual defense capabilities, aligning strategic priorities, and strengthening global responsibilities.

This meeting comes at a time when defense cooperation between India and the United States is steadily expanding, including joint military exercises, technology transfers, and co-production agreements in the defense sector.

A Firm Message on Counter-Terrorism

During his US visit, Dr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s unwavering stance against terrorism. He emphasized the need for the international community to adopt a "zero-tolerance policy" toward terrorism, stressing that any form of leniency endangers global peace and stability.

Referring to the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s counterterrorism operation 'Sindoor,' he stated that even terrorists hiding across international borders must be held accountable. Jaishankar made it clear that territorial boundaries can no longer act as a shield for those involved in cross-border terrorism.

Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to the United States reflects more than just routine diplomacy—it underscores India’s growing strategic presence on the global stage. The visit has not only advanced bilateral relations but also brought forth India’s firm policies on global security and counterterrorism. As India continues to safeguard its national interests, it is simultaneously stepping up to play a proactive and responsible leadership role in global affairs.