India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related meetings in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The meeting comes amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and signals continued high-level engagement between the two democracies. Discussions focused on strengthening the India-US strategic partnership, regional security, and global issues of mutual concern.

Rubio, in his first major diplomatic interaction since assuming office, reiterated the United States’ commitment to deepening ties with India while addressing Pakistan’s role in regional stability. He emphasised that any expansion of US strategic engagement with Pakistan would not come at the expense of the robust and multifaceted relationship with India. This assurance aligns with longstanding Indian concerns over balancing US outreach to Pakistan, particularly on counterterrorism and Afghanistan.

The dialogue underscores the resilience of India-US relations, built on shared democratic values, defence cooperation, and collaboration in technology and trade. Both sides are expected to explore opportunities under the Quad framework and address challenges posed by China’s assertiveness in the region. Jaishankar’s meeting with Rubio reflects India’s proactive diplomacy in Southeast Asia and its central role in shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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As global alliances shift, the Kuala Lumpur encounter highlights the strategic clarity both nations seek in navigating complex regional equations. While specific outcomes of the talks remain undisclosed, the engagement reinforces the priority both countries accord to their bilateral partnership amid an uncertain international landscape.

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