External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, to discuss strengthening the US-India relationship. Their meeting will cover a range of global and bilateral issues, such as the war in Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and increased cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar arrived in Washington on Sunday and is expected to meet several key figures in the Biden administration. His visit also includes engagements with leading think-tanks and academic institutions, emphasizing India's growing role in global affairs. The agenda for Jaishankar's meeting with Blinken includes discussions on the Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions, and enhancing Indo-Pacific cooperation and more.... Focus on Global Crises and Strategic Cooperation At the center of the talks between Jaishankar and Blinken will be the Ukraine conflict and the instability in the Middle East. While India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, calling for diplomatic solutions, the US seeks closer alignment with India on global security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations aim to counter China’s growing influence. With escalating tensions in the Middle East affecting global security and markets, cooperation on addressing these crises will also be a priority during their discussions. US-India Ties and Strategic Dialogues In addition to meeting Blinken, Jaishankar will engage with the US think-tank community. A scheduled conversation with Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, will focus on the future of US-India relations, particularly as India’s strategic importance grows on the global stage. The discussion will explore how the US and India can strengthen cooperation across areas like technology, security, and trade. India’s rising influence in US foreign policy has been highlighted by recent high-level engagements, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 state visit to the US and his participation in the QUAD Leaders’ Summit. Both countries have expanded their partnership in defense, emerging technologies, and the Indo-Pacific strategy, working towards a free and open maritime domain. Collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and defense innovation has further deepened ties. As Jaishankar’s visit unfolds, critical questions about global leadership, democracy, security, and trade will be discussed, reflecting the rapidly shifting dynamics in international relations and the evolving US-India partnership. Jaishankar Declares: 'Only PoK Remains to be Taken'—Revealing Modi Government's Intentions India, Brazil, South Africa Call for Joint Action Against Global Terrorism Bilateral Relations in Focus: EAM Jaishankar’s Strategic Meetings at the UN