World
Jaishankar Meets U.S. Secretary of State Rubio at G20, Discusses Bilateral Cooperation
During his recent visit to India, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States’ relationship with Pakistan or any other country would never come at the expense of its ties with India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Rubio on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta on Saturday, where the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Appreciated @SecRubio’s hospitality in Atlanta for the @g20org FMM. Took stock of our bilateral cooperation.” The meeting followed Rubio’s official visit to India from October 20 to 22, during which he held talks with Jaishankar and discussed the proposed India‑U.S. trade deal.
Rubio, speaking to The Indian Express, said, “What everyone should be assured of in India is that our relationship, not just with Pakistan but with any country in the world, will never come at the expense of our relationship. We don’t view it that way in our relationship with India.” He cited his visits to India, Washington’s commitment to the trade deal, and the two countries’ engagements as evidence of their relationship. He had earlier said that India and the U.S. were “very close” to finalising a trade deal, with only a few items left.
Jaishankar also held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from the European Union, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and spoke with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira about bilateral relations and global issues. He met Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Álvarez to give new impetus to ties, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to review the steady growth of cooperation, and Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno to discuss trade, critical minerals, defence and nuclear cooperation, as well as multilateral issues.
The meetings were part of Jaishankar’s engagements at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, providing an opportunity to review existing partnerships, explore areas for greater cooperation and exchange views on key international developments.
Frequently asked questions
What did Jaishankar say about the meeting with Rubio?
He posted on X: "Appreciated @SecRubio’s hospitality in Atlanta for the @g20org FMM. Took stock of our bilateral cooperation."
What did Rubio say about India's relationship with the U.S.?
He said: "Our relationship, not just with Pakistan but with any country in the world, will never come at the expense of our relationship. We don’t view it that way in our relationship with India."
Which other countries did Jaishankar meet at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting?
He met counterparts from the European Union, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Argentina.