Jaishankar Holds Key Talks With US Secretary Rubio During G7 Visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a useful discussion with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Affairs Ministerial in Cernay-la-Ville, France.

Jaishankar later posted on X that their morning exchange was productive and focused.

The US State Department said Rubio would meet foreign ministers from partner nations to examine shared security concerns and areas for cooperation.

Before travelling to France, Rubio said he would discuss the situation in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, and wider threats to peace and stability across the world.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar spoke at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and stressed the importance of freedom of navigation for global economic security. He also highlighted cross-cutting threats to sovereignty, including narco-terror linkages.

On critical minerals, he welcomed ongoing steps to expand cooperation across the value chain.

S Jaishankar also had a brief meeting with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani. The interaction added to a busy diplomatic day for the Indian minister.

On Thursday, Jaishankar set out India’s views on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor at the second G7 session with invited partners. He called for urgent United Nations Security Council reform. He also backed streamlined peacekeeping and stronger humanitarian supply chains.

Jaishankar said the conflicts in West Asia make resilient trade corridors even more essential. He also noted that India’s FTAs with the European Union, EFTA members, and the United Kingdom have increased IMEC’s value.

EAM S Jaishankar welcomed the strong support for the connectivity initiative and urged partners to help turn it into reality.

Also Read: Jaishankar Meets Ukraine FM At G7; Discusses West Asia Tensions