On Sunday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a comprehensive discussion on bilateral relations and various regional and global issues. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tokyo.
“Great to catch up with @SecBlinken in Tokyo today. Our bilateral agenda progresses steadily. Also had a wide-ranging discussion on regional and global issues. Look forward to attending the Quad FMM tomorrow,” Jaishankar posted on X.
In November 2017, India, Japan, the US, and Australia formalized the Quad to develop a strategic approach to maintain open sea routes in the Indo-Pacific region.
The South China Sea, located at the convergence of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, is a significant area of contention. China claims the majority of this maritime region, while The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have their own counterclaims.
Additionally, EAM S Jaishankar unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Freedom Plaza in Edogawa, Tokyo, during the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting.
Jaishankar attended the ceremony alongside Edogawa Mayor Takeshi Saito, Sibi George, the Ambassador of India to Japan, and other officials. A group of schoolchildren sang Gandhi’s favorite prayer, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.” Jaishankar remarked that this gesture signifies Japan’s desire to strengthen its ties with India.
“We have gathered here today because Edogawa ward and Mayor Takeshi Saito have decided that they will build a relationship with India by having this wonderful statue of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. At this venue and at this park, which they will be naming after him.” Jaishankar said that Mahatma Gandhi is a global icon as his messages through his life are timeless.
“We have to ask ourselves today, why is it important to have this statue here… the achievements of Gandhi have far outlived his times, with the passage of time, they have become more important. What he taught us was important then as well as now.” Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States committed to supporting an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient, according to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
With inputs from agencies.