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Summary: Foreign ministers from India, France, and Australia recently met (virtually) at the Raisina Dialogue, Indiaâs flagship annual conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics. What can they get done if they work together?
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“We need plurilateralism,” argued Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. “Multilateralism is not delivering.” The minister was speaking about the benefits of small groups of countries working together at a panel at the recently completed Raisina Dialogue alongside the French and Australian foreign ministers. All told, the message was clear. These were three countries that were dedicated to strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and they felt they could achieve more as a trio than in a bigger cohort.
S Jaishankar, Tony Blinken meet in London, discuss COVID-19 crisis
In a series of tweets, S Jaishankar said he conveyed to Blinken appreciation for the support extended by the US to India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic
PTI | May 4, 2021 | Updated 10:32 IST
In their first in-person meeting on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken deliberated on ways to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, situation in the Indo-Pacific and issues relating to climate change.
S Jaishankar and Secretary Blinken held the talks in London on the sidelines of the G7 foreign ministers meeting. In a series of tweets, S Jaishankar said he conveyed to Blinken appreciation for the support extended by the US to India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
The Economics of the China-India-Sri Lanka Triangle Daily News (via HT Media Ltd.)
Sri Lanka’s relationship with China has been a controversial discussion during the last decade, dominating both domestic and international political conversations. The strengthening relationship between the island nation and the emerging global power has been largely economic. Yet it is quite clear that Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour, India, and the United States are diligently monitoring these developments in the China–Sri Lanka relationship.
China has been a major economic partner for Sri Lanka. Beijing’s assistance has been crucial in saving the poorly performing Sri Lankan economy during the last three years. At the same time, Sri Lanka is compelled not to antagonize India, its closest neighbour, with which Sri Lanka’s relationship runs deep and far back. The India–Sri Lanka relationship is vastly different than its ties with China.
Following his conversation with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Mr. Jaishankar said India is confident that it can continue to count on its partnership with Thailand.
As stated by Spokesperson Ned Price:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar today to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.-India partnership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expressing his appreciation for Indian assistance in America’s time of need, Secretary Blinken reviewed comprehensive ongoing U.S. government efforts in support of the Indian government’s COVID-19 response operations. He also noted the outpouring of support from U.S. industries, non-governmental institutions, and private citizens for COVID-19 relief efforts in India. The Secretary offered condolences and noted our concern for those who have lost friends and loved ones during this difficult period. Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar agreed to remain in close contact.