Blinken and Jaishankar Discuss Regional Issues in Tokyo

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held wide-ranging discussions in Tokyo, focusing on regional and global issues, as well as deepening U.S.-India collaboration. The talks occurred against the backdrop of recent tensions in India-U.S. relations following Prime Minister Modi's visit to Russia and concerns over an alleged plot to kill a Khalistani terrorist in New York. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The meeting was held ahead of the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, which aims to address issues such as infrastructure, supply chains, maritime security, and humanitarian responses. Blinken also met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Laos, discussing the South China Sea, Taiwan, and China's support for Russia, reiterating U.S. concerns over China's destabilizing actions. Despite ongoing tensions, Blinken and Wang agreed to keep communication channels open.