Jaishankar, US Secretary of State discuss Iran-Israel conflict, Ukraine, China
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and United States Secretary of State Antony J Blinken held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the rising tensions in West Asia, especially the Iranian strikes on Israel. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine and India's peace efforts there, along with what's happening in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region, especially regarding China's actions.
India, US review bilateral partnership progress
Jaishankar and Blinken also reviewed the progress of the India-US bilateral partnership in emerging and critical technologies. They noted advancements in sectors such as semiconductors and clean energy. The meeting took place at the State Department in Washington DC, marking another significant interaction between the two after recent meetings during the Quad Leaders's summit and a bilateral meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 21.
Blinken condemns Iran's strikes against Israel
In his opening remarks, Blinken condemned Iran's strikes against Israel, calling them "completely unacceptable." He expressed hope that other countries would join in this condemnation and reaffirmed America's support for Israel. Welcoming Jaishankar, Blinken highlighted the "incredible vibrancy [and] strength behind the partnership" between India and the US.
Jaishankar expresses concern over West Asia conflict
Jaishankar voiced his worries about the escalating conflict in West Asia. He stressed how crucial communication is during tough times, saying, "Don't underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times." "We are concerned at the possibility of a broadening of the conflict, not just what happened in Lebanon, but also to the Houthis and the Red Sea, and to anything that happens between Iran and Israel," he said.
Regard October 7 as a terrorist attack: Jaishankar
He also stressed that any country's response must comply with international humanitarian law and prevent injuring civilians. "We regard October 7 as a terrorist attack. We understand that Israel needed to respond, but we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law," Jaishankar said. On the morning of October 7, Hamas-led Palestinian armed groups carried out numerous coordinated attacks on Israel, killing 12,00 people and taking over 200 hostages.
