New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): India and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during high-level bilateral engagements in Washington, DC, as stated in a release by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The External Affairs Minister, representing the Prime Minister as his Special Envoy, attended the inauguration of the US President on January 20, 2025, where discussions covered a wide range of issues, including security, technology, and regional cooperation.

In response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha by Parmar Jashvantsinh Salamsinh, Brij Lal, Rekha Sharma, Baburam Nishad, Tejveer Singh, Narhari Amin, Subhash Barala, and Medha Vishram Kulkarni, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated, 'The External Affairs Minister represented the Prime Minister as his Special Envoy at the inauguration of the US President on 20 January 2025. During bilateral interactions, both sides affirmed a shared commitment to strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States. A wide range of topics were discussed, including regional and global issues and opportunities for further deepening the India-US partnership in critical and emerging technologies, defence cooperation, energy, education and legal mobility. No specific bilateral agreement was concluded during the visit.'

The discussions reflected the ongoing efforts by both nations to enhance collaboration across key areas of mutual interest. While no formal agreements were signed, the dialogue emphasised shared priorities in advancing cooperation on emerging technologies, economic growth, and security challenges.

A day after the bilateral meeting, the Quad Foreign Ministers convened in Washington, DC, on January 21, 2025, reinforcing their commitment to regional stability. Singh stated, 'The Quad Foreign Ministers met in Washington DC on 21 January 2025 and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended.'

Highlighting the Quad's approach to ensuring stability in the region, Singh noted, 'They underlined their conviction that international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security in all domains, including the maritime domain, underpin the development and prosperity of the peoples of the Indo-Pacific.'

Addressing concerns over security threats, he further stated, 'The Ministers also expressed their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.'

The Quad partners also explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in critical sectors. 'They agreed to strengthen regional maritime, economic, and technology security as well as promoting reliable and resilient supply chains and advance the work of the Quad in preparation for the next Quad Leaders' Summit to be hosted by India in 2025,' Singh said. (ANI)