The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, prepare for their visit to India to engage in the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. This significant dialogue will bring them face-to-face with India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, in the vibrant city of New Delhi. The exact dates of their visit remain undisclosed at this time.
During their time in New Delhi, the US delegation will actively participate in the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, a forum designed for high-level strategic discussions between the two nations. The agenda is expected to encompass a wide array of topics, including bilateral matters and global concerns, with a particular focus on developments in the Indo-Pacific region. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller elaborated on the delegation's intentions, stating, "The delegation will meet with Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, and other senior Indian officials to discuss both bilateral and global concerns and developments in the Indo-Pacific."
Before their arrival in India, Antony Blinken will embark on a diplomatic journey that takes him to Tel Aviv. In Israel, Blinken's primary objective is to reaffirm the United States' unwavering support for Israel's right to self-defense against terrorism, while adhering to international humanitarian law. He will also delve into discussions regarding the protection of US citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and explore ways to secure the immediate release of hostages. Additionally, the delegation aims to expedite the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza to support Palestinian civilians and work to prevent the escalation of the conflict. Matthew Miller highlighted these goals, saying, "In Israel, Blinken will reiterate US support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism consistent with international humanitarian law and discuss efforts to safeguard US citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, work to secure the immediate release of hostages, increase the pace and volume of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza for distribution to Palestinian civilians, and prevent the conflict from spreading."
Following their visit to Israel, Antony Blinken and his team will continue their diplomatic mission by heading to Jordan. In this leg of their journey, discussions will revolve around devising mechanisms to reduce violence, calm heated rhetoric, and alleviate regional tensions. Furthermore, their talks will underscore the United States' steadfast commitment to working alongside its partners to establish the necessary conditions for a lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East, including the realization of a Palestinian state. Matthew Miller noted, "In Jordan, Anthony Blinken will also discuss urgent mechanisms to stem violence, calm rhetoric, reduce regional tensions, and reaffirm the US commitment to working with partners to set the conditions necessary for a durable and sustainable peace in the Middle East, to include the establishment of a Palestinian state."
Post their visits to Israel and Jordan, Antony Blinken and his delegation will extend their journey to other key destinations. The upcoming destinations include Tokyo, Seoul, and a return to India. In Tokyo, Blinken will actively participate in the second G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting of 2023, building upon the commitments made by G7 leaders during the G7 Hiroshima Summit. This meeting offers an opportunity to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the United States and Japan while expressing gratitude for Japan's successful G7 presidency.
The upcoming diplomatic engagements promise to be pivotal in shaping the relationships between the United States and these nations, as well as addressing critical issues on the international stage.
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