US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd&nbsp;Austin&nbsp;arrived in New Delhi on Friday&nbsp;to deepen ties between India and United States.

Austin&nbsp;is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698" hreflang="en">US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi</a>

During&nbsp;Austin's visit, the two sides will be discussing India's plan to purchase armed drones from the United States as well as a large order for over 150 combat jets for the air force and the navy to help narrow the gap with China.

The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan,&nbsp;together known as the Quad, held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China.

Austin's visit to India's comes a week after the first virtual summit of the Quad. India is a crucial part of the group and for America's Indo-Pacific plans.

What's the Indo-Pacific?

It is the maritime space between the Indian ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;This region is being called ''the geopolitical centre of the world.''

It is witnessing a rise in Chinese aggression, the growing interest of western nations and&nbsp;the realisation of India's indispensability.

The UK recently said- India is an increasingly indispensable partner. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world.

India and the United States&nbsp;share a common strategic vision, that is,&nbsp;'free, open and inclusive'' Indo-Pacific and both understand the true nature of China's challenge.

The US views India's emergence on the global stage as a counter to China.

The US State Department said it&nbsp;supports ''India's emergence as a leading global power and vital partner in efforts to ensure that the Indo-pacific is a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.'

The two countries are defence partners, The US designated India as ''major defence partner'' in 2016 and signed the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement). Through it,&nbsp;America and India can now use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.

In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) which provides inter-operability between two&nbsp;militaries and ensure smooth cooperation between the countries tech and equipment.&nbsp;

In October 2020, India and the US signed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to&nbsp;boost bilateral defence ties.

Both India and the United States have a&nbsp;common challenge, China.&nbsp;

India drew closer to the United States following its own tensions with China on their disputed Himalayan border, where deadly clashes erupted last year. Washington has helped New Delhi, leasing surveillance drones and supplying cold-weather gear for Indian troops.

India and the United States share common values. The US&nbsp;Department of State said, ''The US-India partnership is founded on a shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, equal treatment of all citizens, human rights, and the rule of law.''

It also said, ''The United States and India have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.''

Unlike former US President Donald Trump, Joe Biden does not have a 'go-it-alone' policy. Biden wants to adopt a multilateral approach in tackling china.

The Biden administration recently released its national security blueprint. It was called the ''interim national security strategic guidance.''

It said, ''We will deepen our partnership with India to advance shared objectives.''

The Quad summit&nbsp;laid the groundwork for the&nbsp;strategic partnership between the US and India in the&nbsp;Indo-Pacific.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to deepen ties between India and United States. Austin is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to deepen ties between India and United States. Austin is making the first visit by a top member of the United States President, Joe Biden administration to Delhi as part of efforts to ally with countries seeking to push back against China's assertiveness in the region. Also read| US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi During Austin's visit, the two sides will be discussing India's plan to purchase armed drones from the United States as well as a large order for over 150 combat jets for the air force and the navy to help narrow the gap with China. The leaders of the United States, India, Australia and Japan, together known as the Quad, held the first summit last week pledging to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to cooperate on maritime and cybersecurity in the face of challenges from China. Austin's visit to India's comes a week after the first virtual summit of the Quad. India is a crucial part of the group and for America's Indo-Pacific plans. What's the Indo-Pacific? It is the maritime space between the Indian ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. This region is being called ''the geopolitical centre of the world.'' It is witnessing a rise in Chinese aggression, the growing interest of western nations and the realisation of India's indispensability. The UK recently said- India is an increasingly indispensable partner. Johnson's government said it would "tilt" its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world. India and the United States share a common strategic vision, that is, 'free, open and inclusive'' Indo-Pacific and both understand the true nature of China's challenge. The US views India's emergence on the global stage as a counter to China. The US State Department said it supports ''India's emergence as a leading global power and vital partner in efforts to ensure that the Indo-pacific is a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity.' The two countries are defence partners, The US designated India as ''major defence partner'' in 2016 and signed the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement). Through it, America and India can now use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. In 2018, India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) which provides inter-operability between two militaries and ensure smooth cooperation between the countries tech and equipment. In October 2020, India and the US signed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to boost bilateral defence ties. Both India and the United States have a common challenge, China. India drew closer to the United States following its own tensions with China on their disputed Himalayan border, where deadly clashes erupted last year. Washington has helped New Delhi, leasing surveillance drones and supplying cold-weather gear for Indian troops. India and the United States share common values. The US Department of State said, ''The US-India partnership is founded on a shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, equal treatment of all citizens, human rights, and the rule of law.'' It also said, ''The United States and India have shared interests in promoting global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.'' Unlike former US President Donald Trump, Joe Biden does not have a 'go-it-alone' policy. Biden wants to adopt a multilateral approach in tackling china. The Biden administration recently released its national security blueprint. It was called the ''interim national security strategic guidance.'' It said, ''We will deepen our partnership with India to advance shared objectives.'' The Quad summit laid the groundwork for the strategic partnership between the US and India in the Indo-Pacific.

Why is India crucial to America's Indo-Pacific policy?

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off. It's back on his schedule now. Johnson will visit New Delhi on the April 26. He also plans to travel to Pune.&nbsp;

This will be his first major international trip after Brexit. It will also mark a new beginning as London is reshaping its relationship with the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently, the British government conducted a major review of its security, defence, development and foreign policy. It's a 100-page document. It basically spells out Boris Johnson's vision for the UK.&nbsp;

It says Johnson wants a major foreign policy shift, a 'tilt to the Indo-Pacific' and the road to that, goes through India. The British government says the purpose of Johnson's trip is to 'unlock opportunities in the region'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It is planning multiple engagements. First, Johnson is coming to India. Then, he has invited India for the G7 summit. India is not part of the G7, or the group of seven, but the summit will be held in the UK and as the host country, Britain has extended an invite to India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

So, the UK is out of the European Union and after Brexit, it is trying to rebuild its relationship with the world. Going by reports, Johnson wants to project that the UK is a force of good. He wants to champion global action and democratic values, which is why it wants more influence in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson's review calls the Indo-Pacific 'increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world'. It's a good assessment. It also explains why the UK is moving a warship to the region. &nbsp;

Earlier this year, London announced plans to deploy a new carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. This is a 65,000-tonne and 280-metre-long Royal Navy fleet flagship. Reports say it has a flight deck that can carry up to 40 aircraft.

Now, why does the UK need a warship in the Indo-Pacific?&nbsp;

As the UK has left the European Union, it needs new trading partners. It has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a trade agreement between 11 countries including Australia and Japan. Britain wants to join the group. These countries face one common challenge, China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Now, here's the thing any trade relationship requires free and open trading routes. Countries in the Indo-Pacific see China, a threat and if the UK wants to join them, it will have to prepare for the China threat, which is why it is sending a warship to these waters.&nbsp;

It is now in the UK's interests to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. According to a report, the United Kingdom has moved to strengthen security cooperation with several Indo-Pacific countries. It is working on stronger defence ties with Japan and members of the FPDA that is the five power defence arrangements. This list also includes Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. The FPDA is a series of defence relationships. They were established through a series of multilateral agreements between these countries. In simpler words, the UK is coming closer to the major players in this region. The UK also maintains military outposts in Brunei as well as a naval support facility in Singapore. So, the signs are clear.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson wants a bigger role for the UK in the world and he is betting Britain's future on the Indo-Pacific. In December last year, the UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said, “If you look at India and the Indo-Pacific region and take a long-term view, that is where the growth opportunities will be". So, London plans to woo New Delhi to become a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off.

Boris Johnson is coming to India next month. The British prime minister was supposed to visit in January, but the pandemic worsened in the UK and the visit had to be called off. It's back on his schedule now. Johnson will visit New Delhi on the April 26. He also plans to travel to Pune. This will be his first major international trip after Brexit. It will also mark a new beginning as London is reshaping its relationship with the world. Recently, the British government conducted a major review of its security, defence, development and foreign policy. It's a 100-page document. It basically spells out Boris Johnson's vision for the UK. It says Johnson wants a major foreign policy shift, a 'tilt to the Indo-Pacific' and the road to that, goes through India. The British government says the purpose of Johnson's trip is to 'unlock opportunities in the region'. It is planning multiple engagements. First, Johnson is coming to India. Then, he has invited India for the G7 summit. India is not part of the G7, or the group of seven, but the summit will be held in the UK and as the host country, Britain has extended an invite to India. So, the UK is out of the European Union and after Brexit, it is trying to rebuild its relationship with the world. Going by reports, Johnson wants to project that the UK is a force of good. He wants to champion global action and democratic values, which is why it wants more influence in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson's review calls the Indo-Pacific 'increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world'. It's a good assessment. It also explains why the UK is moving a warship to the region. Earlier this year, London announced plans to deploy a new carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. This is a 65,000-tonne and 280-metre-long Royal Navy fleet flagship. Reports say it has a flight deck that can carry up to 40 aircraft. Now, why does the UK need a warship in the Indo-Pacific? As the UK has left the European Union, it needs new trading partners. It has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is a trade agreement between 11 countries including Australia and Japan. Britain wants to join the group. These countries face one common challenge, China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Now, here's the thing any trade relationship requires free and open trading routes. Countries in the Indo-Pacific see China, a threat and if the UK wants to join them, it will have to prepare for the China threat, which is why it is sending a warship to these waters. It is now in the UK's interests to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. According to a report, the United Kingdom has moved to strengthen security cooperation with several Indo-Pacific countries. It is working on stronger defence ties with Japan and members of the FPDA that is the five power defence arrangements. This list also includes Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. The FPDA is a series of defence relationships. They were established through a series of multilateral agreements between these countries. In simpler words, the UK is coming closer to the major players in this region. The UK also maintains military outposts in Brunei as well as a naval support facility in Singapore. So, the signs are clear. Boris Johnson wants a bigger role for the UK in the world and he is betting Britain's future on the Indo-Pacific. In December last year, the UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab said, “If you look at India and the Indo-Pacific region and take a long-term view, that is where the growth opportunities will be". So, London plans to woo New Delhi to become a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific.

UK looks to become a key stakeholder in Indo-Pacific 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

In a Commons statement, Johnson said that the UK has led the international community in expressing our deep concern over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong.

“There is no question China will pose a great challenge for an open society such as ours,” Johnson said.

“But we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests, including building a stronger and positive economic relationship and in addressing climate change.”

“The review describes how we will bolster our alliances, strengthen our capabilities, find new ways of reaching solutions and re-learn the art of competing against states with opposing values.” 
&nbsp; 
Johnson said Brexit marked a “new chapter in our history” and the UK was now “open to the world, free to tread our own path” as the Integrated Review Of Security, Defence, Development And Foreign Policy was published. 
 
Russia remains “the most acute threat to our security," the UK government said, but the language on China was more muted. While acknowledging the risks and human rights challenges posed by a more assertive China, Johnson stressed he wanted a balanced approach and said the UK will continue pursuing a positive trade and investment relationship with Beijing.

Britain’s biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade. 
&nbsp; 
Calling the Indo-Pacific “increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world”, the government highlighted a planned British aircraft carrier deployment to the region and said a previously postponed visit to India would go ahead in April.

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy. In a Commons statement, Johnson said that the UK has led the international community in expressing our deep concern over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong. “There is no question China will pose a great challenge for an open society such as ours,” Johnson said. “But we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests, including building a stronger and positive economic relationship and in addressing climate change.” “The review describes how we will bolster our alliances, strengthen our capabilities, find new ways of reaching solutions and re-learn the art of competing against states with opposing values.” Johnson said Brexit marked a “new chapter in our history” and the UK was now “open to the world, free to tread our own path” as the Integrated Review Of Security, Defence, Development And Foreign Policy was published. Russia remains “the most acute threat to our security," the UK government said, but the language on China was more muted. While acknowledging the risks and human rights challenges posed by a more assertive China, Johnson stressed he wanted a balanced approach and said the UK will continue pursuing a positive trade and investment relationship with Beijing. Britain’s biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade. Calling the Indo-Pacific “increasingly the geopolitical centre of the world”, the government highlighted a planned British aircraft carrier deployment to the region and said a previously postponed visit to India would go ahead in April. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing poses great challenges for an open society but the UK wants to work with China: Boris Johnson

Two ambitions lie at the center of President Joe Biden’s foreign policy agenda: rebuilding ties with frustrated allies and assembling a united front on China.

This week, he is attempting both as he dispatches two of his most senior envoys to Japan and South Korea in his administration’s highest-level foreign travel since it took office in January.

The visits to the United States’ strongest partners in East Asia are a prelude to the Biden administration’s opening round of face-to-face contact with Beijing. One of the envoys, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will travel on to Alaska and join Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, in a meeting with China’s two top diplomats.

The administration sees the gathering as a chance to establish ground rules and set red lines for a relationship that Blinken has called “the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century.” U.S. officials have described it as “a one-off session” to identify issues where Washington can work with Beijing — and then “lay out, in very frank terms, the many concerns that we have,” Blinken told Congress last week.

The flurry of diplomacy, which began Friday with a virtual summit with the U.S.’s so-called Quad allies — Australia, India and Japan — establishes the Asia-Pacific as a top priority for the Biden administration after Barack Obama’s halting “pivot” to Asia and Donald Trump’s bluntly transactional approach to alliances in the region.

The dialogue with allies less than two months into the new administration also underlines the president’s goal of shoring up international partnerships to face down adversaries and, in turn, further U.S. interests.

“The more China hears, not just our opprobrium, but a course of opprobrium from around the world, the better the chance that we’ll get some changes,” Blinken told a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing in Washington last week.

It will not be easy. China, having brought the coronavirus to heel early in the pandemic, has only bolstered its economic position as rivals in the West struggle to recover. And militarily it has narrowed the gap with the United States through huge investments. Those strengths have helped embolden China on the global stage.

Even as Washington tries to chart a new, if still wary, relationship with Beijing, U.S. officials on Friday downplayed the notion that China would overshadow the three days of discussions in Tokyo and Seoul. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III are expected to discuss a range of subjects, including the pandemic, climate change and the large U.S. troop presence in the region.

Relations between Japan and South Korea, which have reached a low point over historical disputes, are likely to be a topic of conversation. Also on the agenda will be the month-old military coup in Myanmar and North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, which remain firmly in place after the Trump administration’s failed flirtation with the North’s leader, Kim Jong Un.

The decision to make Japan the first destination for Blinken and Austin was seen as a significant and reassuring development in Tokyo, which worked hard to maintain close ties with Trump even as he demanded huge increases in payments to keep U.S. troops in the country. On Friday, the White House announced that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga would be the first foreign leader to meet with Biden in Washington.

“At the end of the Trump administration, with regard to Asia, we were bickering with our allies over how much to pay for the cost sharing in terms of defense,” said Victor Cha, who oversaw Asia policy at the White House during the George W. Bush administration and advises the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “We had a very unilateral view when it came to alliances as a nation, almost a disdainful view with regard to them.”

“At the same time,” Cha said, “China was using its economic leverage all around the region to bully other countries.”

The Trump administration took an often contradictory approach toward China. Trump often flattered its authoritarian leader, Xi Jinping, as he tried to strike trade deals. At the same time, his administration criticized Beijing’s human rights abuses, military and cyberspace incursions, and assaults on democracy.

The Biden administration’s strategy could prove just as dizzying. Blinken has described seeking a relationship that is based at once on cooperation, competition and, as needed, confrontation with China.

To make it work, the United States is banking on backup from allies like Japan and South Korea. Both countries have tried to walk a fine line on China: Their prosperity depends on trade with Beijing, but they break with China on matters of security, democracy and human rights.

Tokyo has grown more vocal as the Chinese military has made incursions around islands that Japan administers in the East China Sea, known in Japan as the Senkakus and in China as the Diaoyu. Seoul has used its temperate relations with Beijing as a pressure tactic against North Korea, which depends on China to keep its economy afloat.

For their part, China’s leaders have said they are eager to get the relationship with the United States back on an even keel. Some analysts have warned that any steps toward a detente could just buy China more time to develop technological and military capabilities before a diplomatic breakdown.

“As two countries with different social systems, China and the United States naturally have differences and disagreements,” Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said at a news conference in Beijing on March 7. Wang and Yang Jiechi, China’s top diplomat, will be meeting with Blinken in Alaska.

Wang called it normal to have a “healthy competition on a fair and just basis for the purpose of self-improvement and mutual enhancement, rather than finger-pointing or zero-sum competition.”

Yet Chinese leaders also appear concerned about the Biden strategy of rallying allies into a coherent bloc against China, something that could hurt Beijing politically and economically. Last week, for example, the Quad countries announced an effort to ship coronavirus vaccines to Southeast Asia, countering China’s own efforts at so-called vaccine diplomacy.

Wang cited the pandemic, the economic recovery from it and climate change as areas where China and the United States could cooperate, though he provided no details. But he said that the United States and others had no right to interfere in what he described as internal matters — human rights abuses against ethnic Uighurs in China’s western Xinjiang region, efforts to subvert democracy in Hong Kong and surveillance and repression in Tibet.

He also drew a “red line” on the question of Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island that Beijing claims as an inalienable part of a greater China.

Days later, a U.S. destroyer passed through the Taiwan Strait. The United States describes such voyages as routine, but they are seen as hostile by China. It was the third since Biden came into office, signaling support of Taiwan.

While Japanese officials are sure to seek assurances from Austin that the U.S. military would come to Japan’s aid in the event of a conflict with China over the Senkaku Islands, his time in Seoul is expected to be consumed with the question of whether to resume regular large-scale military exercises with South Korea, which Trump abruptly canceled.

Last week, the two countries reached a cost-sharing agreement for stationing U.S. troops in South Korea, a presence that Trump had also threatened to end.

After the meetings in Tokyo and Seoul, Austin will travel to India, which is at its lowest point in relations with China in decades after a deadly border incursion last summer. Blinken will arrive in Alaska on Thursday for the meeting with the Chinese envoys.

As he wished Blinken luck for the talks, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that “we cannot treat them as a normal adversary.”

“We are truly in an ideological struggle fighting for democracy against authoritarianism and promoting freedom over oppression,” McCaul said. He added that the United States had for four decades “turned a blind eye” to China’s ruling Communist Party in hopes of persuading its leaders to follow international norms.

“Unfortunately, it just didn’t work,” McCaul said.

Two ambitions lie at the center of President Joe Biden’s foreign policy agenda: rebuilding ties with frustrated allies and assembling a united front on China. This week, he is attempting both as he dispatches two of his most senior envoys to Japan and South Korea in his administration’s highest-level foreign travel since it took office in January.

Two ambitions lie at the center of President Joe Biden’s foreign policy agenda: rebuilding ties with frustrated allies and assembling a united front on China. This week, he is attempting both as he dispatches two of his most senior envoys to Japan and South Korea in his administration’s highest-level foreign travel since it took office in January. The visits to the United States’ strongest partners in East Asia are a prelude to the Biden administration’s opening round of face-to-face contact with Beijing. One of the envoys, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will travel on to Alaska and join Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, in a meeting with China’s two top diplomats. The administration sees the gathering as a chance to establish ground rules and set red lines for a relationship that Blinken has called “the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century.” U.S. officials have described it as “a one-off session” to identify issues where Washington can work with Beijing — and then “lay out, in very frank terms, the many concerns that we have,” Blinken told Congress last week. The flurry of diplomacy, which began Friday with a virtual summit with the U.S.’s so-called Quad allies — Australia, India and Japan — establishes the Asia-Pacific as a top priority for the Biden administration after Barack Obama’s halting “pivot” to Asia and Donald Trump’s bluntly transactional approach to alliances in the region. The dialogue with allies less than two months into the new administration also underlines the president’s goal of shoring up international partnerships to face down adversaries and, in turn, further U.S. interests. “The more China hears, not just our opprobrium, but a course of opprobrium from around the world, the better the chance that we’ll get some changes,” Blinken told a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing in Washington last week. It will not be easy. China, having brought the coronavirus to heel early in the pandemic, has only bolstered its economic position as rivals in the West struggle to recover. And militarily it has narrowed the gap with the United States through huge investments. Those strengths have helped embolden China on the global stage. Even as Washington tries to chart a new, if still wary, relationship with Beijing, U.S. officials on Friday downplayed the notion that China would overshadow the three days of discussions in Tokyo and Seoul. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III are expected to discuss a range of subjects, including the pandemic, climate change and the large U.S. troop presence in the region. Relations between Japan and South Korea, which have reached a low point over historical disputes, are likely to be a topic of conversation. Also on the agenda will be the month-old military coup in Myanmar and North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, which remain firmly in place after the Trump administration’s failed flirtation with the North’s leader, Kim Jong Un. The decision to make Japan the first destination for Blinken and Austin was seen as a significant and reassuring development in Tokyo, which worked hard to maintain close ties with Trump even as he demanded huge increases in payments to keep U.S. troops in the country. On Friday, the White House announced that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga would be the first foreign leader to meet with Biden in Washington. “At the end of the Trump administration, with regard to Asia, we were bickering with our allies over how much to pay for the cost sharing in terms of defense,” said Victor Cha, who oversaw Asia policy at the White House during the George W. Bush administration and advises the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “We had a very unilateral view when it came to alliances as a nation, almost a disdainful view with regard to them.” “At the same time,” Cha said, “China was using its economic leverage all around the region to bully other countries.” The Trump administration took an often contradictory approach toward China. Trump often flattered its authoritarian leader, Xi Jinping, as he tried to strike trade deals. At the same time, his administration criticized Beijing’s human rights abuses, military and cyberspace incursions, and assaults on democracy. The Biden administration’s strategy could prove just as dizzying. Blinken has described seeking a relationship that is based at once on cooperation, competition and, as needed, confrontation with China. To make it work, the United States is banking on backup from allies like Japan and South Korea. Both countries have tried to walk a fine line on China: Their prosperity depends on trade with Beijing, but they break with China on matters of security, democracy and human rights. Tokyo has grown more vocal as the Chinese military has made incursions around islands that Japan administers in the East China Sea, known in Japan as the Senkakus and in China as the Diaoyu. Seoul has used its temperate relations with Beijing as a pressure tactic against North Korea, which depends on China to keep its economy afloat. For their part, China’s leaders have said they are eager to get the relationship with the United States back on an even keel. Some analysts have warned that any steps toward a detente could just buy China more time to develop technological and military capabilities before a diplomatic breakdown. “As two countries with different social systems, China and the United States naturally have differences and disagreements,” Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, said at a news conference in Beijing on March 7. Wang and Yang Jiechi, China’s top diplomat, will be meeting with Blinken in Alaska. Wang called it normal to have a “healthy competition on a fair and just basis for the purpose of self-improvement and mutual enhancement, rather than finger-pointing or zero-sum competition.” Yet Chinese leaders also appear concerned about the Biden strategy of rallying allies into a coherent bloc against China, something that could hurt Beijing politically and economically. Last week, for example, the Quad countries announced an effort to ship coronavirus vaccines to Southeast Asia, countering China’s own efforts at so-called vaccine diplomacy. Wang cited the pandemic, the economic recovery from it and climate change as areas where China and the United States could cooperate, though he provided no details. But he said that the United States and others had no right to interfere in what he described as internal matters — human rights abuses against ethnic Uighurs in China’s western Xinjiang region, efforts to subvert democracy in Hong Kong and surveillance and repression in Tibet. He also drew a “red line” on the question of Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island that Beijing claims as an inalienable part of a greater China. Days later, a U.S. destroyer passed through the Taiwan Strait. The United States describes such voyages as routine, but they are seen as hostile by China. It was the third since Biden came into office, signaling support of Taiwan. While Japanese officials are sure to seek assurances from Austin that the U.S. military would come to Japan’s aid in the event of a conflict with China over the Senkaku Islands, his time in Seoul is expected to be consumed with the question of whether to resume regular large-scale military exercises with South Korea, which Trump abruptly canceled. Last week, the two countries reached a cost-sharing agreement for stationing U.S. troops in South Korea, a presence that Trump had also threatened to end. After the meetings in Tokyo and Seoul, Austin will travel to India, which is at its lowest point in relations with China in decades after a deadly border incursion last summer. Blinken will arrive in Alaska on Thursday for the meeting with the Chinese envoys. As he wished Blinken luck for the talks, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that “we cannot treat them as a normal adversary.” “We are truly in an ideological struggle fighting for democracy against authoritarianism and promoting freedom over oppression,” McCaul said. He added that the United States had for four decades “turned a blind eye” to China’s ruling Communist Party in hopes of persuading its leaders to follow international norms. “Unfortunately, it just didn’t work,” McCaul said.

Biden goals converge in Asia: Rebuilding alliances and countering China

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden met leaders of Australia, India and Japan on Friday, a group central to his efforts to counter China's growing military and economic power, and said a free and open Indo-Pacific region was essential to all of their futures.

The White House says the virtual meeting of the countries known as the Quad, the first at the leader level, shows the importance Biden places on the Indo-Pacific region and that it will focus on ways to fight the coronavirus pandemic, as well as cooperate on economic growth and the climate crisis.

"A free and open Indo Pacific is essential to each of our futures," Biden told the meeting from the White House. "The United States is committed to working with you, our partners, and all our allies in the region, to achieve stability." Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he wanted the four "to forge strongly ahead toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and to make a visible contribution to peace, stability and prosperity of the region, including overcoming the coronavirus."

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India and Australia have also emphasized the importance of regional security cooperation, which has been enhanced by previous lower-level meetings of the four countries.

A senior US&nbsp;official told reporters ahead of the meeting it would involve "an honest, open discussion about China's role on the global stage," referencing "challenges in the region" to free and open trade and commerce.

The Biden administration has said the Quad nations will announce financing agreements to support an increase in manufacturing capacity for coronavirus vaccines in India, something New Delhi has called for to counter China's widening vaccine diplomacy.

US&nbsp;officials say the countries will also set up a group of experts to help distribute vaccines in the region, as well as working groups for cooperation on climate change, technology standards, and joint development of emerging technologies.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-keen-to-discuss-covid-19-challenges-in-indo-pacific-says-australian-pm-scott-morrison-369987" hreflang="en">Quad: Keen to discuss COVID-19, challenges in Indo-Pacific, says Australian PM</a>

The United States wants to strengthen ties with allies and partners as China adopts an increasingly assertive foreign policy in Asia and beyond. Washington says the additional vaccine capacity will be used in immunization efforts in Southeast Asia, where Beijing is competing for influence.

The virtual meeting including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will aim to lay the groundwork for an in-person meeting later this year, the administration said.

'Whole new level of cooperation'

Morrison called the meeting "incredibly important."

"When governments come together at the highest level, this shows a whole new level of cooperation to create a new anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he told reporters.

Among the issues to be addressed are supply chains exposed as heavily reliant on China during the pandemic.

Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday that the four countries would also work together to secure rare earth metals essential to the production of electric car motors and other products.

The Biden administration told Reuters on Tuesday the United States and Japan would help fund Indian firms manufacturing vaccines for U.S. drugmakers Novavax Inc and J&amp;J.

However, Indian government sources said U.S. curbs on exports of critical materials could hamper that effort and those to start large-scale distribution to Southeast Asia.

A second senior administration official told reporters on Thursday that Washington's focus was foremost on getting vaccines to Americans, adding: "We will not be talking about sharing vaccines right now."

India, Australia and Japan have all faced security challenges from China, strengthening their interest in the Quad. Cooperation among them dates back to their joint response to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004.

The Quad was revived under the Trump administration, which regarded it as a vehicle to push back against China's spreading influence. The United States hosted a foreign ministers' meeting in 2019, which was followed by another in Japan last year and a virtual session in February.

Friday's meeting coincided with a major US&nbsp;diplomatic drive to solidify alliances in Asia and Europe to counter China.

On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin head to Japan and South Korea for the first face-to-face meetings between senior officials of the Biden administration and US&nbsp;allies - underscoring the critical importance Washington places on Asia and the China challenge.

Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will join Blinken in Alaska next week to meet with China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and State Councillor Wang Yi - the first high-level in-person contact between the world's two largest economies under the Biden administration.

Washington has said it will not hold back in its criticism of Beijing over issues ranging from Taiwan to Hong Kong and the genocide it says China is committing against minority Muslims.

US&nbsp;officials have said they see the meeting with their Chinese counterparts as a "one-off session", with future senior-level engagements based on Washington seeing tangible outcomes to address its grievances with Beijing.

US President Joe Biden met leaders of Australia, India and Japan on Friday, a group central to his efforts to counter China's growing military and economic power, and said a free and open Indo-Pacific region was essential to all of their futures.

US President Joe Biden met leaders of Australia, India and Japan on Friday, a group central to his efforts to counter China's growing military and economic power, and said a free and open Indo-Pacific region was essential to all of their futures. The White House says the virtual meeting of the countries known as the Quad, the first at the leader level, shows the importance Biden places on the Indo-Pacific region and that it will focus on ways to fight the coronavirus pandemic, as well as cooperate on economic growth and the climate crisis. "A free and open Indo Pacific is essential to each of our futures," Biden told the meeting from the White House. "The United States is committed to working with you, our partners, and all our allies in the region, to achieve stability." Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he wanted the four "to forge strongly ahead toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and to make a visible contribution to peace, stability and prosperity of the region, including overcoming the coronavirus." India and Australia have also emphasized the importance of regional security cooperation, which has been enhanced by previous lower-level meetings of the four countries. A senior US official told reporters ahead of the meeting it would involve "an honest, open discussion about China's role on the global stage," referencing "challenges in the region" to free and open trade and commerce. The Biden administration has said the Quad nations will announce financing agreements to support an increase in manufacturing capacity for coronavirus vaccines in India, something New Delhi has called for to counter China's widening vaccine diplomacy. US officials say the countries will also set up a group of experts to help distribute vaccines in the region, as well as working groups for cooperation on climate change, technology standards, and joint development of emerging technologies. Also read| Quad: Keen to discuss COVID-19, challenges in Indo-Pacific, says Australian PM The United States wants to strengthen ties with allies and partners as China adopts an increasingly assertive foreign policy in Asia and beyond. Washington says the additional vaccine capacity will be used in immunization efforts in Southeast Asia, where Beijing is competing for influence. The virtual meeting including Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will aim to lay the groundwork for an in-person meeting later this year, the administration said. 'Whole new level of cooperation' Morrison called the meeting "incredibly important." "When governments come together at the highest level, this shows a whole new level of cooperation to create a new anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," he told reporters. Among the issues to be addressed are supply chains exposed as heavily reliant on China during the pandemic. Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday that the four countries would also work together to secure rare earth metals essential to the production of electric car motors and other products. The Biden administration told Reuters on Tuesday the United States and Japan would help fund Indian firms manufacturing vaccines for U.S. drugmakers Novavax Inc and J&J. However, Indian government sources said U.S. curbs on exports of critical materials could hamper that effort and those to start large-scale distribution to Southeast Asia. A second senior administration official told reporters on Thursday that Washington's focus was foremost on getting vaccines to Americans, adding: "We will not be talking about sharing vaccines right now." India, Australia and Japan have all faced security challenges from China, strengthening their interest in the Quad. Cooperation among them dates back to their joint response to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in 2004. The Quad was revived under the Trump administration, which regarded it as a vehicle to push back against China's spreading influence. The United States hosted a foreign ministers' meeting in 2019, which was followed by another in Japan last year and a virtual session in February. Friday's meeting coincided with a major US diplomatic drive to solidify alliances in Asia and Europe to counter China. On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin head to Japan and South Korea for the first face-to-face meetings between senior officials of the Biden administration and US allies - underscoring the critical importance Washington places on Asia and the China challenge. Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will join Blinken in Alaska next week to meet with China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and State Councillor Wang Yi - the first high-level in-person contact between the world's two largest economies under the Biden administration. Washington has said it will not hold back in its criticism of Beijing over issues ranging from Taiwan to Hong Kong and the genocide it says China is committing against minority Muslims. US officials have said they see the meeting with their Chinese counterparts as a "one-off session", with future senior-level engagements based on Washington seeing tangible outcomes to address its grievances with Beijing.

Biden says free Indo-Pacific essential as he meets India, Japan, Australia leaders

A day after top US commander's warning of a Chinese invasion threat to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-admiral-of-hyping-up-threat-of-taiwan-invasion-369378">Taiwan</a>, a US warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday.

Watch:

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The US Navy said the third such voyage since president Joe Biden took office "demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific".

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn transited through the Taiwan Strait even as&nbsp;US Admiral Philip Davidson had earlier warned of the US was losing its military edge to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-will-deter-taiwan-independence-but-seeks-peaceful-unification-chinese-premier-li-keqiang-368248">China</a> in the Pacific.

"I worry that they're (China) accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050," Davidson told the Senate committee.

"Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," the top US commander added.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said it "resolutely opposed" the transit, asserting that the US was "intentionally meddling in and undermining the regional situation to endanger peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

China has upped the ante on Taiwan since last year with Chinese planes repeatedly entering Taiwan's airspace. In 2020, Chinese military jets made 380 incursions into Taiwan's defence zone, according to reports.

China under President Xi has said it will annex <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-continue-assisting-taiwans-self-defence-capabilities-says-white-house-369156">Taiwan </a>by force if necessary asserting that seizure of Taiwan was "inevitable".&nbsp;

A day after top US commander's warning of a Chinese invasion threat to Taiwan, a US warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday. Watch: The US Navy said the third such voyage since president Joe Biden took office "demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific".

A day after top US commander's warning of a Chinese invasion threat to Taiwan, a US warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Thursday. Watch: The US Navy said the third such voyage since president Joe Biden took office "demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific". The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn transited through the Taiwan Strait even as US Admiral Philip Davidson had earlier warned of the US was losing its military edge to China in the Pacific. "I worry that they're (China) accelerating their ambitions to supplant the United States and our leadership role in the rules-based international order... by 2050," Davidson told the Senate committee. "Taiwan is clearly one of their ambitions before that. And I think the threat is manifest during this decade, in fact, in the next six years," the top US commander added. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said it "resolutely opposed" the transit, asserting that the US was "intentionally meddling in and undermining the regional situation to endanger peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." China has upped the ante on Taiwan since last year with Chinese planes repeatedly entering Taiwan's airspace. In 2020, Chinese military jets made 380 incursions into Taiwan's defence zone, according to reports. China under President Xi has said it will annex Taiwan by force if necessary asserting that seizure of Taiwan was "inevitable".

'Free and open Indo-Pacific': US destroyer transits through Taiwan Strait

With focus on better coordination in&nbsp;Indo-Pacific,&nbsp;India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020. All three&nbsp;countries are key supporters of the Indo-Pacific vision.

The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty&nbsp;while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania) and the Australian side was led by Mr. Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and Mr. John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division).

Other key focus areas were greater maritime domain awareness of Indo Pacific countries, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Oil spill management and Disaster Resilience of small island states.

With focus on better coordination in Indo-Pacific, India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020.

With focus on better coordination in Indo-Pacific, India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020. All three countries are key supporters of the Indo-Pacific vision. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania) and the Australian side was led by Mr. Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and Mr. John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division). Other key focus areas were greater maritime domain awareness of Indo Pacific countries, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Oil spill management and Disaster Resilience of small island states.

India, Australia, and France hold trilateral dialogue with Indo-Pacific in focus

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US President Joe Biden discussed an open& free Indo-pacific, COVID-19 pandemic, climate change on a phone call. This was the first conversation between the two leaders after Biden's inauguration,

Modi & Biden discuss Indo-pacific, Quad & COVID on a phone call

The USS <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-aircraft-carrier-nimitz-to-remain-in-gulf-as-threat-of-conflict-with-iran-looms-354271">Nimitz</a> Carrier Strike Group is moving to Indo-Pacific Command region, the Pentagon has informed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/south-china-sea-row-why-us-has-deployed-warship-uss-nimitz-in-naval-exercise-with-india-314673">In Pics: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India</a>

The US aircraft carrier will be departing the Central Command "ensuring our national security and deterring conflict in a very critical region of the world", Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.

The Biden administration has pulled the carrier from the Gulf in a sign of potentially easing tensions with Iran. "These decisions are carefully weighed," the Pentagon spokesman said, adding," Supporting Strike Group is a decision driven by a frank assessment of the threats in the area, and also a frank consideration of the capabilities themselves."

"The secretary (Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III) was mindful of the larger geostrategic picture when he approved the movement of the carrier strike group from the Central Command area of responsibility to the Indo PACOM area of responsibility," Kirby added.

According to reports, the current US government could increase its presence in the South China Sea region. Last month, the US had moved USS Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea region.

The move is seen as the continuation of a tough approach towards&nbsp;China and the US government's commitment to Taiwan. The former Trump administration had moved Nimitz to the Gulf in November shortly before the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh although the Pentagon had said there was "no specific threats".

The Pentagon had said earlier that the carrier was stationed in the Gulf to ensure cover for the US troop withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan which was ordered by former President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The US carrier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-indian-australian-japanese-naval-forces-have-proved-their-ability-nimitz-commander-on-malabar-naval-exercise-344566">Nimitz</a> had taken part in a naval exercise with Indian, Japanese and Australian forces in the Arabian Sea as part of the Quad group last year.

The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is moving to Indo-Pacific Command region, the Pentagon has informed. In Pics: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India The US aircraft carrier will be departing the Central Command "ensuring our national security and deterring conflict in a very critical region of the world", Pentagon Press Secretary John F.

The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is moving to Indo-Pacific Command region, the Pentagon has informed. In Pics: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India The US aircraft carrier will be departing the Central Command "ensuring our national security and deterring conflict in a very critical region of the world", Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said. The Biden administration has pulled the carrier from the Gulf in a sign of potentially easing tensions with Iran. "These decisions are carefully weighed," the Pentagon spokesman said, adding," Supporting Strike Group is a decision driven by a frank assessment of the threats in the area, and also a frank consideration of the capabilities themselves." "The secretary (Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III) was mindful of the larger geostrategic picture when he approved the movement of the carrier strike group from the Central Command area of responsibility to the Indo PACOM area of responsibility," Kirby added. According to reports, the current US government could increase its presence in the South China Sea region. Last month, the US had moved USS Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea region. The move is seen as the continuation of a tough approach towards China and the US government's commitment to Taiwan. The former Trump administration had moved Nimitz to the Gulf in November shortly before the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh although the Pentagon had said there was "no specific threats". The Pentagon had said earlier that the carrier was stationed in the Gulf to ensure cover for the US troop withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan which was ordered by former President Donald Trump. The US carrier Nimitz had taken part in a naval exercise with Indian, Japanese and Australian forces in the Arabian Sea as part of the Quad group last year.

US moves Nimitz aircraft carrier in Indo-Pacific region with eye on China

US Secretary of State&nbsp;Anthony Blinken on Friday underscored&nbsp;India's role as a preeminent partner in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of working together to expand the regional cooperation, including through the Quad in his conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

They discussed issues of mutual concern, including COVID-19 vaccination efforts, regional developments and next steps in expanding bilateral ties, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Friday.

It was Blinken's first telephonic conversation with Jaishankar after he assumed the charge of the top American diplomat early this week.

''Both agreed to coordinate closely on global developments and look forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity,''&nbsp;Price said in a readout of the call, which was the first communication between them after January 20 when Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.

''I was delighted to speak today with my good friend @DrSJaishankar to discuss US-India priorities. We reaffirmed the importance of the US-India relationship and discussed ways we can better seize new opportunities and combat shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,''&nbsp;the Secretary of State said on Twitter.

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I was delighted to speak today with my good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> to discuss U.S.-India priorities. We reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-India relationship and discussed ways we can better seize new opportunities and combat shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1355218003990863872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After occupying Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, Blinken has spoken to his counterparts from over a dozen countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Britain, Japan, Germany, France, Israel and South Africa.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Friday underscored India's role as a preeminent partner in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of working together to expand the regional cooperation, including through the Quad in his conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Friday underscored India's role as a preeminent partner in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of working together to expand the regional cooperation, including through the Quad in his conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. They discussed issues of mutual concern, including COVID-19 vaccination efforts, regional developments and next steps in expanding bilateral ties, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Friday. It was Blinken's first telephonic conversation with Jaishankar after he assumed the charge of the top American diplomat early this week. ''Both agreed to coordinate closely on global developments and look forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity,'' Price said in a readout of the call, which was the first communication between them after January 20 when Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. ''I was delighted to speak today with my good friend @DrSJaishankar to discuss US-India priorities. We reaffirmed the importance of the US-India relationship and discussed ways we can better seize new opportunities and combat shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,'' the Secretary of State said on Twitter. I was delighted to speak today with my good friend @DrSJaishankar to discuss U.S.-India priorities. We reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-India relationship and discussed ways we can better seize new opportunities and combat shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 29, 2021 × After occupying Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, Blinken has spoken to his counterparts from over a dozen countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Britain, Japan, Germany, France, Israel and South Africa.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken discusses Quad; reaffirms growing ties with India

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world.

Speaking at a virtual event, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India, France and Japan are leading stakeholders in the region and with other like-minded countries, it is upon us to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains peaceful and open, taking into account needs and concerns of all its inhabitants."

Geographically New Delhi sees the Indo-Pacific as a "seamless interface" of the Indian and Pacific ocean from the western coast of North America to the eastern shores of Africa. Over 50 per cent&nbsp;of global trade traverses this maritime domain which is also home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and the global GDP.&nbsp;

Calling his country an "Indo-Pacific power" due to its territories in the region, French envoy Emmanuel Lenain said, "We are building piece by piece a strategic triangle between Paris, Tokyo and Delhi committed to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order."

France has its territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. It also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony.&nbsp;

Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki who was also present in the event highlighted his country's "unwavering" commitment to the vision, pointing out that "free and open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on".

He cited the first foreign visit of the new Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga’s to Vietnam and Indonesia and hosting of Quad Foreign ministers meet last year as the testament to Tokyo's efforts.

It was in 2007, in Delhi, that the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had spoken about the emerging dynamics of the region that links Pacific and Indian ocean. Almost a decade later in 2016 in Kenya, Abe unveiled Japan’s “Indo-Pacific Vision”.

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world.

In growing convergences between India, France and Japan's "strategic triangle", all three countries have strongly backed the Indo-Pacific vision which has increasingly gained currency within democratic nations of the region and around the world. Speaking at a virtual event, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said, "India, France and Japan are leading stakeholders in the region and with other like-minded countries, it is upon us to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains peaceful and open, taking into account needs and concerns of all its inhabitants." Geographically New Delhi sees the Indo-Pacific as a "seamless interface" of the Indian and Pacific ocean from the western coast of North America to the eastern shores of Africa. Over 50 per cent of global trade traverses this maritime domain which is also home to over 60 per cent of the world’s population and the global GDP. Calling his country an "Indo-Pacific power" due to its territories in the region, French envoy Emmanuel Lenain said, "We are building piece by piece a strategic triangle between Paris, Tokyo and Delhi committed to a rules-based Indo-Pacific order." France has its territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Indian Ocean. It also has 8,000 military personnel based in the region. In 2018, the country published its Indo-Pacific strategy whose main objective was to promote a rules-based, multilateral regional order, free of any hegemony. Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki who was also present in the event highlighted his country's "unwavering" commitment to the vision, pointing out that "free and open Indo-Pacific vision has been the core diplomatic concept that Japan stands on". He cited the first foreign visit of the new Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga’s to Vietnam and Indonesia and hosting of Quad Foreign ministers meet last year as the testament to Tokyo's efforts. It was in 2007, in Delhi, that the then Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had spoken about the emerging dynamics of the region that links Pacific and Indian ocean. Almost a decade later in 2016 in Kenya, Abe unveiled Japan’s “Indo-Pacific Vision”.

India, France, Japan strongly back Indo Pacific vision

Just a week before the Trump administration finishes its term, it has declassified one of the most crucial documents--the United States Strategic framework for the Indo-Pacific that gives an overarching view of Washington's policy for the region and New Delhi. 
 
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The declassified document sees India as "net provider of security" with the object of the framework being to "solidify an enduring strategic partnership with India" which is "underpinned by a strong Indian military able to effectively collaborate with the US." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-dialogue-to-lay-down-next-steps-for-global-cooperation-official-337610">Also read | India-US dialogue to lay down next steps for global cooperation: Official&nbsp;</a> 
 
India and US have come closer in the last two&nbsp;decades, from Clinton to Bush to Obama to the Trump administration. But it was only in the Trump administration, the focus was increasingly on the Indo Pacific as a vision, backed both by New Delhi and Washington.&nbsp;

Watch: US declassified Indo-Pacific report envisions India's growing role in the region | WION report

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The declassified document calls for offering "support to India--through diplomatic, military, and intelligence channels--to help address continental challenges such as the border dispute with China and access to water, including the Brahmaputra and other rivers facing diversion by China"

While this document was approved in February 2018, the support on intelligence-sharing in China stands out amid the many month-long Line of actual (LAC) row between India-China. 2020 was one of the worst years in the New Delhi-Beijing relationship as aggressive Chinese forces tried to change the status quo in Eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

The document, calls for building "a stronger foundation for defense cooperation and interoperability" between New Delhi and Washington with a focus on the expansion of "defense trade and increase cooperation on shared regional security concerns"

The focus is also on enhancing connectivity by "working with India and Japan to help finance projects that enhance regional connectivity". This comes even as China under its mega Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been expanding connectivity in south Asia and the wider region but leaving a trail of debt, being referred to as Beijing's "debt-trap diplomacy".

On China, the document has been scathing, with a focus on "countering Chinese predatory economic practices that freeze out foreign competition" and working closely with "allies and like-minded countries to prevent Chinese acquisition of military and strategic capabilities"

The document was released by the US national security council and the white house said, the aim to release it is to "communicate to the American people and to our allies and partners" Washington's "enduring commitment" to keeping the "Indo-Pacific region free and open long into the future."

Just a week before the Trump administration finishes its term, it has declassified one of the most crucial documents--the United States Strategic framework for the Indo-Pacific that gives an overarching view of Washington's policy for the region and New Delhi.

Just a week before the Trump administration finishes its term, it has declassified one of the most crucial documents--the United States Strategic framework for the Indo-Pacific that gives an overarching view of Washington's policy for the region and New Delhi. Opinion: The US election on Indian social media The declassified document sees India as "net provider of security" with the object of the framework being to "solidify an enduring strategic partnership with India" which is "underpinned by a strong Indian military able to effectively collaborate with the US." Also read | India-US dialogue to lay down next steps for global cooperation: Official India and US have come closer in the last two decades, from Clinton to Bush to Obama to the Trump administration. But it was only in the Trump administration, the focus was increasingly on the Indo Pacific as a vision, backed both by New Delhi and Washington. Watch: US declassified Indo-Pacific report envisions India's growing role in the region | WION report The declassified document calls for offering "support to India--through diplomatic, military, and intelligence channels--to help address continental challenges such as the border dispute with China and access to water, including the Brahmaputra and other rivers facing diversion by China" While this document was approved in February 2018, the support on intelligence-sharing in China stands out amid the many month-long Line of actual (LAC) row between India-China. 2020 was one of the worst years in the New Delhi-Beijing relationship as aggressive Chinese forces tried to change the status quo in Eastern Ladakh. The document, calls for building "a stronger foundation for defense cooperation and interoperability" between New Delhi and Washington with a focus on the expansion of "defense trade and increase cooperation on shared regional security concerns" The focus is also on enhancing connectivity by "working with India and Japan to help finance projects that enhance regional connectivity". This comes even as China under its mega Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been expanding connectivity in south Asia and the wider region but leaving a trail of debt, being referred to as Beijing's "debt-trap diplomacy". On China, the document has been scathing, with a focus on "countering Chinese predatory economic practices that freeze out foreign competition" and working closely with "allies and like-minded countries to prevent Chinese acquisition of military and strategic capabilities" The document was released by the US national security council and the white house said, the aim to release it is to "communicate to the American people and to our allies and partners" Washington's "enduring commitment" to keeping the "Indo-Pacific region free and open long into the future."

Declassified US documents on Indo-Pacific see India as ‘net security provider’, focus on intel sharing

US&nbsp;President-elect Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said on Monday slammed China for its abuses on trade, technology, and human rights and stressed upon the ''security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region''.

Biden said that his administration will shift from the policies of Donald Trump and its focus&nbsp;is on “rebuilding our alliances to close ranks with our partners and bring to bear the full benefits of our shared strength for the American people”.

One of his toughest tasks will be rebuilding US&nbsp;alliances that have frayed under four years of Trump's "America First" agenda.

“(As) we compete with China and hold China’s government accountable for its abuses on trade, technology, human rights, and other fronts, our position will be much stronger when we build coalitions of like-minded partners and allies to make common cause with us in defence of our shared interests and values,” the president-elect said.

He added, "On any issue that matters to the US and China relationship, from pursuing a foreign policy for the middle class, including a trade and economic agenda that produces and protects American workers, our intellectual prosperity and the environment, to ensuring security and prosperity in Indo-Pacific region, to championing human rights, we're stronger and more effective when we're flanked by nations that share our vision in the future of our world.''&nbsp;

Biden has also triggered nervousness among some China-watchers who fear he may opt for a conciliatory approach that could encourage China to step up its expansionism, as seen widely in the South China Sea and most recently along the border with India, and in its relationship with Australia.

When Biden&nbsp;takes office, he will inherit a wide range of foreign policy and national security challenges, including China, Iran, and North Korea, as well as the coronavirus pandemic raging across the globe.

Biden's remarks came after a meeting with his team of foreign policy and national security nominees and officials of his transition team. They&nbsp;will be scrutinised closely both at home in the US and abroad in India, Japan, and Australia for clarity on how he will run this most crucial relationship.

US President-elect Joe Biden said on Monday slammed China for its abuses on trade, technology, and human rights and stressed upon the ''security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region''.

US President-elect Joe Biden said on Monday slammed China for its abuses on trade, technology, and human rights and stressed upon the ''security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region''. Biden said that his administration will shift from the policies of Donald Trump and its focus is on “rebuilding our alliances to close ranks with our partners and bring to bear the full benefits of our shared strength for the American people”. One of his toughest tasks will be rebuilding US alliances that have frayed under four years of Trump's "America First" agenda. “(As) we compete with China and hold China’s government accountable for its abuses on trade, technology, human rights, and other fronts, our position will be much stronger when we build coalitions of like-minded partners and allies to make common cause with us in defence of our shared interests and values,” the president-elect said. He added, "On any issue that matters to the US and China relationship, from pursuing a foreign policy for the middle class, including a trade and economic agenda that produces and protects American workers, our intellectual prosperity and the environment, to ensuring security and prosperity in Indo-Pacific region, to championing human rights, we're stronger and more effective when we're flanked by nations that share our vision in the future of our world.'' Biden has also triggered nervousness among some China-watchers who fear he may opt for a conciliatory approach that could encourage China to step up its expansionism, as seen widely in the South China Sea and most recently along the border with India, and in its relationship with Australia. When Biden takes office, he will inherit a wide range of foreign policy and national security challenges, including China, Iran, and North Korea, as well as the coronavirus pandemic raging across the globe. Biden's remarks came after a meeting with his team of foreign policy and national security nominees and officials of his transition team. They will be scrutinised closely both at home in the US and abroad in India, Japan, and Australia for clarity on how he will run this most crucial relationship.

Joe Biden lambasts Chinese abuses and stresses significance of Indo-Pacific ties

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity.&nbsp;

Russian Envoy Nikolay R. Kudashev said, “As far as the Indian ocean initiative, raised by PM Modi, we have no problem with Indian vision". Adding, "We offer a unifying agenda a concept of larger Eurasian partnership which could and we should bring 2 ends together, the Russian vision, the Chinese vision, the Indian vision. The alternative is the lines of division.”

Recently during his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, Russian FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming them anti-China. While China sees Indo Pacific and quad very suspiciously, Moscow isn't keen either on it, given it backed by Washington and the west.&nbsp;

Russian Deputy Envoy Roman N. Babushkin pointed out, "while understanding and recognizing the Indian national concept for Indo pacific, let us don't forget about, no unified vision for Indo Pacific currently because we know many countries do promote their own Indo pacific visions.”

Calling mechanism "non-inclusive" and "apprehensions about the intentions" Roman explained, they "threaten to jeopardies regional cooperation, for example, ASEAN centrality and ASEAN unity and that Quad will be detrimental to the inclusive dialogue to the region."

Russia, India ties are much celebrated and historically close. Both PM Modi and President Putin spoke 4 times this year and have annual summits that alternate between the 2 countries. Earlier this year, both Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited Russia amidst the pandemic to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence and foreign ministers meet.

Asked about ties between India and China, the Russian envoy said, "As a friend to both India and China we would welcome enhanced dialogue between Delhi and Beijing" and "this is the key in reaching progress in the ties and regional security and stability"

The Moscow meets saw, Indian and Chinese defence and foreign ministers meet. After India and Chinese foreign minister meet, both countries came out with 5 points joint statement to diffuse the heightened tension.&nbsp;

The envoy also spoke the S400 sanctions by America, saying, "it is hard to predict and let the Biden administration first announce publicly its stance...otherwise, we do not recognize unilateral sanctions as....interstate relations"

Trump administration had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the S400 system from Russia. India will also get the system soon, raising fears of possible American sanctions.

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity.

In the backdrop of the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov raising question over Indo Pacific and Quad, top Russian diplomats in Delhi has said Moscow does understand, "India's national concept on Indo pacific" but sees Quad as "detrimental" due to lack of inclusivity. Russian Envoy Nikolay R. Kudashev said, “As far as the Indian ocean initiative, raised by PM Modi, we have no problem with Indian vision". Adding, "We offer a unifying agenda a concept of larger Eurasian partnership which could and we should bring 2 ends together, the Russian vision, the Chinese vision, the Indian vision. The alternative is the lines of division.” Recently during his remarks at the general meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council, Russian FM Lavrov also mentioned Indo Pacific and quad terming them anti-China. While China sees Indo Pacific and quad very suspiciously, Moscow isn't keen either on it, given it backed by Washington and the west. Russian Deputy Envoy Roman N. Babushkin pointed out, "while understanding and recognizing the Indian national concept for Indo pacific, let us don't forget about, no unified vision for Indo Pacific currently because we know many countries do promote their own Indo pacific visions.” Calling mechanism "non-inclusive" and "apprehensions about the intentions" Roman explained, they "threaten to jeopardies regional cooperation, for example, ASEAN centrality and ASEAN unity and that Quad will be detrimental to the inclusive dialogue to the region." Russia, India ties are much celebrated and historically close. Both PM Modi and President Putin spoke 4 times this year and have annual summits that alternate between the 2 countries. Earlier this year, both Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited Russia amidst the pandemic to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence and foreign ministers meet. Asked about ties between India and China, the Russian envoy said, "As a friend to both India and China we would welcome enhanced dialogue between Delhi and Beijing" and "this is the key in reaching progress in the ties and regional security and stability" The Moscow meets saw, Indian and Chinese defence and foreign ministers meet. After India and Chinese foreign minister meet, both countries came out with 5 points joint statement to diffuse the heightened tension. The envoy also spoke the S400 sanctions by America, saying, "it is hard to predict and let the Biden administration first announce publicly its stance...otherwise, we do not recognize unilateral sanctions as....interstate relations" Trump administration had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the S400 system from Russia. India will also get the system soon, raising fears of possible American sanctions.

Understand Indian concept on Indo-Pacific, but Quad detrimental to inclusivity: Russia

In his second leg of the three-nation European tour in Germany, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla met with top German Diplomats and interacted with think tanks. During his meetings, the foreign secretary highlighted the common interest New Delhi shares with Europe and Germany to combat terror and extremism and welcomed Berlin's strategy on Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

During his meetings with German interlocutors in Berlin, Foreign Secretary told that India is "stunned by the recent terror attacks in France" and these are threats to "our common democratic values and freedom of expression". He said, that the terror attacks in France "vindicate our long term assertion that terror knows no boundaries."

France has seen a number of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks in the country after a teacher in the country had shown caricature of Prophet Muhammad. Last week, a terror attack in Nice, killed 3 people.&nbsp;

We should learn to call "a spade a spade" on terror front, India's FS told his German interlocutors pointing out to Pakistan that how some "countries" who are the fountainhead of terror are "claiming to be victims of terror to gain international sympathy.”

He called upon "like-minded countries" to work together and "there can be no justification for terror under any circumstances".

New Delhi also welcomed Germany’s foreign policy turn towards the Indo-Pacific. The German government earlier this year announced its Indo Pacific strategy, a move that shows greater interest in the concept that Beijing views suspicious.

FS highlighted how "India" is an important factor in the region and how it is "the most reliable partner to implement our shared vision for the region." On a broader point of discussion China's debt-trap diplomacy, need to diversify supply chains were other points of discussion.&nbsp;

In his last leg of the visit, FS will be in London and will meet permanent undersecretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Philip Barton.

In his second leg of the three-nation European tour in Germany, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla met with top German Diplomats and interacted with think tanks.

In his second leg of the three-nation European tour in Germany, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla met with top German Diplomats and interacted with think tanks. During his meetings, the foreign secretary highlighted the common interest New Delhi shares with Europe and Germany to combat terror and extremism and welcomed Berlin's strategy on Indo-Pacific. During his meetings with German interlocutors in Berlin, Foreign Secretary told that India is "stunned by the recent terror attacks in France" and these are threats to "our common democratic values and freedom of expression". He said, that the terror attacks in France "vindicate our long term assertion that terror knows no boundaries." France has seen a number of terror attacks in form of Knife attacks in the country after a teacher in the country had shown caricature of Prophet Muhammad. Last week, a terror attack in Nice, killed 3 people. We should learn to call "a spade a spade" on terror front, India's FS told his German interlocutors pointing out to Pakistan that how some "countries" who are the fountainhead of terror are "claiming to be victims of terror to gain international sympathy.” He called upon "like-minded countries" to work together and "there can be no justification for terror under any circumstances". New Delhi also welcomed Germany’s foreign policy turn towards the Indo-Pacific. The German government earlier this year announced its Indo Pacific strategy, a move that shows greater interest in the concept that Beijing views suspicious. FS highlighted how "India" is an important factor in the region and how it is "the most reliable partner to implement our shared vision for the region." On a broader point of discussion China's debt-trap diplomacy, need to diversify supply chains were other points of discussion. In his last leg of the visit, FS will be in London and will meet permanent undersecretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Sir Philip Barton.

In Berlin, Foreign Secretary highlights common fight against terror, joint strategy on Indo-pacific

In a first, France has appointed an envoy for the Indo-Pacific, a move that shows how Paris is giving priority to the new concept which is increasingly gaining currency. Senior diplomat Christophe Penot will be the country's envoy to Indo Pacific and he begins his assignment from Thursday.&nbsp;

His last posting was Canberra as France's envoy to Australia.&nbsp;He has been France's envoy to Malaysia and served in Tokyo, Ottawa, London, Hanoi.&nbsp;Fluent in Chinese and Japanese, Penot was honoured with Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2012 for service to his country.&nbsp;

Directly appointed by French President Macron, in his new capacity&nbsp;the envoy&nbsp;will pay "special&nbsp;attention" to cooperation with India to implement the&nbsp;joint vision on the Indo-pacific. The vision was adopted during the 2018 visit by French President Macron to India.

In the month of September, in another first, India, France and Australia held a trilateral at the foreign secretary-level meet with focus on Indo Pacific.&nbsp; A joint statement after the meet said,&nbsp;&nbsp;"discussed geo-strategic challenges, their respective strategies for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and prospects for cooperation in the region".

France released its strategy for the Indo Pacific that called for&nbsp;strengthening "partnerships with the major regional players with whom we share the same values and interests, such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea".

The development will surely irk China, which has been opposing the concept. Earlier this week, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi called "Indo-Pacific strategy a security risk".

In a first, France has appointed an envoy for the Indo-Pacific, a move that shows how Paris is giving priority to the new concept which is increasingly gaining currency.

In a first, France has appointed an envoy for the Indo-Pacific, a move that shows how Paris is giving priority to the new concept which is increasingly gaining currency. Senior diplomat Christophe Penot will be the country's envoy to Indo Pacific and he begins his assignment from Thursday. His last posting was Canberra as France's envoy to Australia. He has been France's envoy to Malaysia and served in Tokyo, Ottawa, London, Hanoi. Fluent in Chinese and Japanese, Penot was honoured with Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2012 for service to his country. Directly appointed by French President Macron, in his new capacity the envoy will pay "special attention" to cooperation with India to implement the joint vision on the Indo-pacific. The vision was adopted during the 2018 visit by French President Macron to India. In the month of September, in another first, India, France and Australia held a trilateral at the foreign secretary-level meet with focus on Indo Pacific. A joint statement after the meet said, "discussed geo-strategic challenges, their respective strategies for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and prospects for cooperation in the region". France released its strategy for the Indo Pacific that called for strengthening "partnerships with the major regional players with whom we share the same values and interests, such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea". The development will surely irk China, which has been opposing the concept. Earlier this week, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi called "Indo-Pacific strategy a security risk".

France appoints envoy for Indo-Pacific

Deputy US Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who is on India visit, has pitched for "vision of Pax Indo-Pacifica", describing it as a "region at peace, protected and made prosperous in equal measure by those who comprise the Indo-Pacific".

He was speaking at India-US forum in New Delhi, along with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla.&nbsp;

Biegun said, "Together we stand for a pluralistic vision that will ensure that our countries, and all the region’s diverse countries, can thrive as sovereign and prosperous nations in a free and open Indo-Pacific. One might call this a vision of a Pax Indo-Pacifica."

Pax is a term used in international relations, describing a zone of peace led by major powers. Historical parallels have been Pax Americana, a long period of peace after the end of World War II overseen by US, or Pax Britannica when British were the dominating power after from the end of Napoleonic wars in 1815 in Europe till around World War I.

Biegun also called for strong support for Quad grouping, citing "we have been too cautious..." and in fact, mentioned it 11 times during his speech. 
&nbsp; 
He said, "Quad is a partnership-driven by shared interests, not binding obligations, and is not intended to be an exclusive grouping. Any country that seeks a free and open Indo-Pacific and is willing to take steps to ensure that, should be welcome to work with us."

Quad is a grouping of four countries -- US, India, Australia and Japan, and earlier this month, the foreign ministers of these countries met in Tokyo.&nbsp;

The grouping of "like-minded democratic countries" is seen suspiciously by China, but amid the pandemic, a number of programmes have been implemented to deal with global issues. 
&nbsp; 
"The United States and India represent multi-ethnic, multi-confessional, democratic societies. Together with Japan and Australia, we are four democratic anchors in an Indo-Pacific region buffeted by changing winds and shifting currents," he said.

He added, "We each have our imperfections, of course, and our own histories that steered our democratic paths, but we share values as well as common interests, and together our democracies represent the voices of a nearly a quarter of the world’s population."

In March, Shringla and Biegun, along with other Quad countries, began weekly calls, and this was later joined by other Indo-Pacific counterparts to discuss and coordinate efforts to combat the pandemic.

Biegun's visit comes days before the India US 2+2 ministerial talks between Indian and US defence and foreign ministers.

Deputy US Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who is on India visit, has pitched for "vision of Pax Indo-Pacifica", describing it as a "region at peace, protected and made prosperous in equal measure by those who comprise the Indo-Pacific".

Deputy US Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who is on India visit, has pitched for "vision of Pax Indo-Pacifica", describing it as a "region at peace, protected and made prosperous in equal measure by those who comprise the Indo-Pacific". He was speaking at India-US forum in New Delhi, along with India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla. Biegun said, "Together we stand for a pluralistic vision that will ensure that our countries, and all the region’s diverse countries, can thrive as sovereign and prosperous nations in a free and open Indo-Pacific. One might call this a vision of a Pax Indo-Pacifica." Pax is a term used in international relations, describing a zone of peace led by major powers. Historical parallels have been Pax Americana, a long period of peace after the end of World War II overseen by US, or Pax Britannica when British were the dominating power after from the end of Napoleonic wars in 1815 in Europe till around World War I. Biegun also called for strong support for Quad grouping, citing "we have been too cautious..." and in fact, mentioned it 11 times during his speech. He said, "Quad is a partnership-driven by shared interests, not binding obligations, and is not intended to be an exclusive grouping. Any country that seeks a free and open Indo-Pacific and is willing to take steps to ensure that, should be welcome to work with us." Quad is a grouping of four countries -- US, India, Australia and Japan, and earlier this month, the foreign ministers of these countries met in Tokyo. The grouping of "like-minded democratic countries" is seen suspiciously by China, but amid the pandemic, a number of programmes have been implemented to deal with global issues. "The United States and India represent multi-ethnic, multi-confessional, democratic societies. Together with Japan and Australia, we are four democratic anchors in an Indo-Pacific region buffeted by changing winds and shifting currents," he said. He added, "We each have our imperfections, of course, and our own histories that steered our democratic paths, but we share values as well as common interests, and together our democracies represent the voices of a nearly a quarter of the world’s population." In March, Shringla and Biegun, along with other Quad countries, began weekly calls, and this was later joined by other Indo-Pacific counterparts to discuss and coordinate efforts to combat the pandemic. Biegun's visit comes days before the India US 2+2 ministerial talks between Indian and US defence and foreign ministers.

In Delhi, deputy US secretary of state pitches for Pax Indo-Pacifica

A quad ministerial meet between India, US, Australia and Japan is being planned and is expected to take place in Delhi, according to US deputy secretary of state Stephen Biegun.

Speaking at&nbsp; the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Biegun said, "There’s going to be a meeting of the Quad, a ministerial meeting with the Quad this fall in Delhi – that’s the intention anyway – in person."

"I’d say this Quad concept has really helped India find a place in the Indo-Pacific – in the larger Indo-Pacific theatre. &nbsp;It’s also obviously indeed in our interest to have India as a partner in these issues,"&nbsp;Biegun added.

A source from one of the Quad country told WION,"details of the meet are&nbsp;still being worked out, but there is strong intent to hold something in coming months. Meet could happen after the Indian parliament's session is over."

Indian Parliament's monsoon session will take place from September 14 to October 1.

The Quad foreign ministers had met last year on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly meeting in the New Year&nbsp;which was the first such meet of the grouping.

Underlining the common democratic set-up of the Quad countries, Biegun said, "Quad... represents&nbsp;four extraordinarily solid democracies" and "shared values that complement shared interests and creates a solid foundation. &nbsp;And so at its core, what the Quad is, is a combination of democracies."

Quad is viewed with suspicion by China which views it as a grouping that is anti-Bejing. Asked about Quad being an anti-China grouping, Biegun said,"I don’t think responding to the threat of China in and of itself or any potential challenge from China in and of itself would be enough of a driver. It also has to have a positive agenda."

"The purpose here can be to create a critical mass around the shared values and interests of those parties in a manner that attracts more countries in the Indo-Pacific,"&nbsp;Biegun added.

A quad ministerial meet between India, US, Australia and Japan is being planned and is expected to take place in Delhi, according to US deputy secretary of state Stephen Biegun.

A quad ministerial meet between India, US, Australia and Japan is being planned and is expected to take place in Delhi, according to US deputy secretary of state Stephen Biegun. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Biegun said, "There’s going to be a meeting of the Quad, a ministerial meeting with the Quad this fall in Delhi – that’s the intention anyway – in person." "I’d say this Quad concept has really helped India find a place in the Indo-Pacific – in the larger Indo-Pacific theatre. It’s also obviously indeed in our interest to have India as a partner in these issues," Biegun added. A source from one of the Quad country told WION,"details of the meet are still being worked out, but there is strong intent to hold something in coming months. Meet could happen after the Indian parliament's session is over." Indian Parliament's monsoon session will take place from September 14 to October 1. The Quad foreign ministers had met last year on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly meeting in the New Year which was the first such meet of the grouping. Underlining the common democratic set-up of the Quad countries, Biegun said, "Quad... represents four extraordinarily solid democracies" and "shared values that complement shared interests and creates a solid foundation. And so at its core, what the Quad is, is a combination of democracies." Quad is viewed with suspicion by China which views it as a grouping that is anti-Bejing. Asked about Quad being an anti-China grouping, Biegun said,"I don’t think responding to the threat of China in and of itself or any potential challenge from China in and of itself would be enough of a driver. It also has to have a positive agenda." "The purpose here can be to create a critical mass around the shared values and interests of those parties in a manner that attracts more countries in the Indo-Pacific," Biegun added.

Quad ministerial meet in Delhi soon, says US deputy secretary of state Stephen Biegun

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday launched 270 billion Australian dollar 10-year defence plan amid rising tension in the Indo-Pacific. Announcing the plan, Morrison said that tensions over territorial claims are rising across the Indo-Pacific region and referred to the recent border skirmish between India and China, the tension in the South China Sea, and the East China Sea.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday launched 270 billion Australian dollar 10-year defence plan amid rising tension in the Indo-Pacific. Announcing the plan, Morrison said that tensions over territorial claims are rising across the Indo-Pacific region and referred to the recent border skirmish between India and China, the tension in the South China Sea, and the East China Sea. Under the plan, Australia will invest in land, sea and air-based long-range and hypersonic strike missiles. Also read: Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry gets uglier "The Indo-Pacific is the epicentre of rising strategic competition. Our region will not only shape our future, increasingly though, but it is also the focus of the dominant global contest of our age," he said. "Tensions over territorial claims are rising across the Indo-Pacific region, as we have seen recently on the disputed border between India and China, and the South China Sea, and the East China Sea. The risk of miscalculation and even conflict is heightening," he added. Australia has also announced its largest-ever investment in its cybersecurity capabilities. Also read: Why Australia has more to lose than China in trade row "We will include funding of $1.35 billion over the next decade to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities and assistance provided to Australians through the Australian Signals Directorate, represented here today and of course also the Australian Cyber Security Centre," Morrison said. This comes two-week after Australia announced that government as well as the private sector, has been hit by a major cyberattack by a "state-based actor". Australian officials believed that China was behind the cyberattack. Morrison asserted that it is not just China and the United States that will determine that Indo Pacific stays on a path for free and open trade."Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, the countries of South-East Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Pacific all have agency, choices to make, parts to play and of course, so does Australia.

Risk of miscalculation, conflict heightening in Indo-Pacific region: Australian PM Scott Morrison

Ahead of the first virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on June 4, the Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell has said India and Australia have obligations to keep the Indo-Pacific region "open and free" and "might is not right policies" as pursued by some countries is not acceptable.&nbsp;

Responding to a question on increased Chinese belligerence from Taiwan to India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the Australian High Commissioner said,"We share democracies, the great game of cricket and believe in Indo-Pacific region, that the region should be free, open. As two&nbsp;great powers, we have obligations that we promoting free, open Indo-Pacific and not might is right polices."&nbsp;

Asked about the India-China stand-off, the Australian High Commissioner said it is for "India and China to resolve bilaterally and not for Australia or any country to comment on."

Describing the ties at "historic highs", Australian High Commissioner said it is "crucial for like-minded democracies to work together".&nbsp;

Australian PM was to visit India in January this year, but could not due to the devastating bush fires in the country.&nbsp;

While no time has been given on how long the virtual summit will continue, the High Commissioner lauded PM Modi for using "technology for diplomacy like TCS and Wipro have used for business and taking it to a new level". He said, "Modi hug" will be missed at the virtual summit.&nbsp;

Issues that are expected to be raised in the virtual summit include defence, including Mutual Logistics Support arrangement, maritime issues in Indo-Pacific and&nbsp;working together on COVID-19 crisis.

He backed India's request to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and US President Trump calling for New Delhi and Canberra to be part of the G7 summit this year, since "International institutions must meet the demand of the present world"&nbsp;

Both countries are also working together at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Barry O’Farrell said, "We support India's position and continue to decry to those who give financial support to terror".&nbsp;

Reiterating Australia's stance on Hong Kong and the South China Sea, the envoy said "Hong Kong citizens are legitimately concerned and new law being imposed on them" with Canberra concerned over the use of "maritime militias" in the region

Ahead of the first virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on June 4, the Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell has said India and Australia have obligations to keep the Indo-Pacific region "open and free" and "might is not right policies" as pursued by some countries is not acceptable.

Ahead of the first virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott Morrison on June 4, the Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell has said India and Australia have obligations to keep the Indo-Pacific region "open and free" and "might is not right policies" as pursued by some countries is not acceptable. Responding to a question on increased Chinese belligerence from Taiwan to India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the Australian High Commissioner said,"We share democracies, the great game of cricket and believe in Indo-Pacific region, that the region should be free, open. As two great powers, we have obligations that we promoting free, open Indo-Pacific and not might is right polices." Asked about the India-China stand-off, the Australian High Commissioner said it is for "India and China to resolve bilaterally and not for Australia or any country to comment on." Describing the ties at "historic highs", Australian High Commissioner said it is "crucial for like-minded democracies to work together". Australian PM was to visit India in January this year, but could not due to the devastating bush fires in the country. While no time has been given on how long the virtual summit will continue, the High Commissioner lauded PM Modi for using "technology for diplomacy like TCS and Wipro have used for business and taking it to a new level". He said, "Modi hug" will be missed at the virtual summit. Issues that are expected to be raised in the virtual summit include defence, including Mutual Logistics Support arrangement, maritime issues in Indo-Pacific and working together on COVID-19 crisis. He backed India's request to reform the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and US President Trump calling for New Delhi and Canberra to be part of the G7 summit this year, since "International institutions must meet the demand of the present world" Both countries are also working together at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Barry O’Farrell said, "We support India's position and continue to decry to those who give financial support to terror". Reiterating Australia's stance on Hong Kong and the South China Sea, the envoy said "Hong Kong citizens are legitimately concerned and new law being imposed on them" with Canberra concerned over the use of "maritime militias" in the region

India, Australia have obligation to keep Indo-Pacific free and open, says envoy to India Barry O’Farrell

India's relationship with Japan is a key component of its vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, ahead of the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2).

The Prime Minister made the remarks during his meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The two Japanese ministers are on a day-long visit to India and are leading a delegation to the 2+2 ministerial dialogue.

The Indian delegation is being led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The Prime Minister welcomed the visiting ministers and expressed his satisfaction at the two sides accomplishing 2+2 dialogue which was proposed during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018.

"Prime Minister added that India's relationship with Japan was a key component of our vision for Indo-Pacific for peace, stability and prosperity of the region, as well as a cornerstone of India's Act East Policy," the statement read.

He stressed the importance of all-round development in India-Japan relations for the benefit of the people of two nations, as well as the region and the world.

He mentioned that regular high-level exchanges between the two countries was a testimony to the depth and strength of the relationship.

Modi said that both he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attach great importance to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries, and conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Abe to India for India-Japan Annual Summit next month.&nbsp;

India's relationship with Japan is a key component of its vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, ahead of the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2).

India's relationship with Japan is a key component of its vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, ahead of the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2). The Prime Minister made the remarks during his meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The two Japanese ministers are on a day-long visit to India and are leading a delegation to the 2+2 ministerial dialogue. The Indian delegation is being led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Prime Minister welcomed the visiting ministers and expressed his satisfaction at the two sides accomplishing 2+2 dialogue which was proposed during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018. "Prime Minister added that India's relationship with Japan was a key component of our vision for Indo-Pacific for peace, stability and prosperity of the region, as well as a cornerstone of India's Act East Policy," the statement read. He stressed the importance of all-round development in India-Japan relations for the benefit of the people of two nations, as well as the region and the world. He mentioned that regular high-level exchanges between the two countries was a testimony to the depth and strength of the relationship. Modi said that both he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attach great importance to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries, and conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Abe to India for India-Japan Annual Summit next month.

Ties with Japan key component of India's vision for stability in Indo-Pacific: PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-qureshi-confirm-presence-at-informal-saarc-foreign-ministers-meet-in-september-246893">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> on Monday met New Zealand's Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges and held discussions on Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

"Pleasure to receive New Zealand's Leader of Opposition @simonjbridges. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations," Jaishankar tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pleasure to receive New Zealand’s Leader of Opposition <a href="https://twitter.com/simonjbridges?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@simonjbridges</a>. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations. <a href="https://t.co/e0LsX6Hc4j">pic.twitter.com/e0LsX6Hc4j</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1168436862161215490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last month, Jaishankar had met his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters during his visit to Bangkok for the ASEAN-related meetings.

Both the ministers had discussed Indo-Pacific and agreed to upgrade economic and political ties between India and New Zealand.

India and New Zealand have cordial and friendly relations rooted in the linkages of Commonwealth, parliamentary democracy and English language.

The two countries have been fellow travellers in their commitment to disarmament, global peace, North-South Dialogue, human rights, ecological preservation and combating international terrorism.

Tourism and sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and mountaineering, have played a significant role in fostering goodwill between the two countries.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met New Zealand's Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges and held discussions on Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met New Zealand's Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges and held discussions on Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen bilateral ties. "Pleasure to receive New Zealand's Leader of Opposition @simonjbridges. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations," Jaishankar tweeted. Pleasure to receive New Zealand’s Leader of Opposition @simonjbridges. Good discussion on Indo-Pacific and on expanding bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/e0LsX6Hc4j — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 2, 2019 × Last month, Jaishankar had met his New Zealand counterpart Winston Peters during his visit to Bangkok for the ASEAN-related meetings. Both the ministers had discussed Indo-Pacific and agreed to upgrade economic and political ties between India and New Zealand. India and New Zealand have cordial and friendly relations rooted in the linkages of Commonwealth, parliamentary democracy and English language. The two countries have been fellow travellers in their commitment to disarmament, global peace, North-South Dialogue, human rights, ecological preservation and combating international terrorism. Tourism and sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and mountaineering, have played a significant role in fostering goodwill between the two countries.

India's foreign minister Jaishankar discusses Indo-Pacific, bilateral ties with New Zealand's Opposition leader

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-66-f-16-fighters-to-taiwan-244591">Taiwan Strait</a> on Friday as the US&nbsp;military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

"The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US&nbsp;commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US&nbsp;military said in a statement.

The military identified the ship as the Green Bay, an amphibious transport dock ship. The 180 km-wide (112 miles) Taiwan Strait separates self-ruled Taiwan from China, which claims the island as its sacred territory.

Last month China had expressed "deep concern" over a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-us-warship-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-china-238390">US Navy warship</a> sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam.

Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday as the US military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

The United States sent a Navy ship through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Friday as the US military increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China. "The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US military said in a statement. The military identified the ship as the Green Bay, an amphibious transport dock ship. The 180 km-wide (112 miles) Taiwan Strait separates self-ruled Taiwan from China, which claims the island as its sacred territory. Last month China had expressed "deep concern" over a US Navy warship sailing through the Taiwan Strait. The warship sent to the 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait was identified as the Antietam. Taiwan is among a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle Taiwan on exercises in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

'Free and open Indo-Pacific': US military ship passes through Taiwan Strait

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as&nbsp;US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue&nbsp;concluded in&nbsp;Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

A release from the Ministry of External Affairs said, ''Both sides discussed regional developments, and agreed to pursue their quest for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

They also reviewed the progress and development of bilateral relations in cross-cutting defence, security, and foreign policy areas.

The meeting took place at&nbsp;Naval Postgraduate School with the participation of&nbsp;Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs and V Anandarajan, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence from Indian side while from the US side Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.&nbsp;

The inaugural 2+2 India-US dialogue took place in September 2018, in Delhi and the next meet is expected to take place next month in the United States.

2+2 is the highest forum of annual India-US engagement and has been developed in the background of growing engagement between Delhi and Washington.&nbsp;

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue concluded in Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific.

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue concluded in Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific. A release from the Ministry of External Affairs said, ''Both sides discussed regional developments, and agreed to pursue their quest for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific." They also reviewed the progress and development of bilateral relations in cross-cutting defence, security, and foreign policy areas. The meeting took place at Naval Postgraduate School with the participation of Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs and V Anandarajan, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence from Indian side while from the US side Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. The inaugural 2+2 India-US dialogue took place in September 2018, in Delhi and the next meet is expected to take place next month in the United States. 2+2 is the highest forum of annual India-US engagement and has been developed in the background of growing engagement between Delhi and Washington.

Regional developments discussed during India-US 2+2 meeting: Ministry of External Affairs

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-asking-asean-allies-to-choose-between-us-and-china-mike-pompeo-239944">Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values</a>, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-to-meet-pompeo-today-240045">US Secretary of State</a> said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok.

From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers.&nbsp;

"Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party.

Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region.&nbsp;

But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. &nbsp;

The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open.

Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty."&nbsp;

His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers.

In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets.

"China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods.</div>

He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory.

"I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent."

Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning."

Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard.

America's top diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday implored Southeast Asian nations to trust in US values, delivering a withering takedown of China's leadership of a region it considers its backyard. The US Secretary of State said decades of US alliances and investment had helped Asia walk from poverty to prosperity, as he aired the Trump administration's "Indo-Pacific" strategy in Bangkok. From supporting state-led enterprises to disputes over contested territories, Pompeo took aim at China's actions and motivations in Southeast Asia, rowing back on comments on Thursday in which he told regional diplomats they were not expected to "choose" sides between the superpowers. "Our investments don't serve a government.... (they) don't serve a political party," he said of the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing considers Southeast Asia as its "neighbourhood" where its economic, political and military might has given it primacy, with massive infrastructure and investment schemes striating the region. But smaller powers also accuse China of loading on debt as well as aggression in the disputed South China Sea where a military build-up threatens the claims of several nations to strategically crucial waters. The US wants the South China Sea, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, to remain open. Serving up a sharp rebuke on China's drive into Southeast Asia, Pompeo said: "We're not building roads to pave over your national sovereignty... We don't fund bridges to close gaps of loyalty." His speech came hours after President Donald Trump promised to slap 10 per cent of new tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods in a sharp escalation of the trade war between the two superpowers. In short panel comments after his speech, Pompeo accused China of "protectionism" and "predatory tactics" to give its companies an advantage in global markets. "China has taken advantage of trade... It's time for that to stop," he said. "I think that's what you saw this morning," he added, referencing Trump's latest barrage of tariffs on Chinese goods. He also stuck to Washington's position of non-interference on the massive anti-government protests engulfing Hong Kong, a Chinese territory. "I hope that the way things will proceed in Hong Kong... will be non-violent." Asked what the US response would be in the event of Chinese military intervention in the financial hub, he said: "One thing this administration has been really good about is not tipping our hand to what we will or won't do. And I'm going to do that here this morning." Pompeo is in Bangkok to attend the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting.

China has taken advantage of trade, time for it to stop: Pompeo at foreign ministers meeting in Bangkok

Day one of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Thailand visit saw a focus on Act East policy, Indo Pacific concept and meeting 10 of his counterparts. EAM is who is on 2-day visit to Bangkok speaking at the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting called the grouping a " critical element of India's act east policy and strategy" and that "acting east is also implementing our Indo Pacific outlook and its the logical extrapolation."

India's 'act east'&nbsp;policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;

Talking about connectivity with ASEAN, EAM said, "India seeks greater connectedness with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity with the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political connectivity and close contact at people to people level."

Adding, "The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership."

The ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on 25 January 2018.&nbsp;

The Indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are both keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it.

"I was heartened to see ASEAN recently released its outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which also supports sovereignty, transparency, good governance, a rules-based order, among many other things" US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said during his opening remarks at U.S.-ASEAN Ministerial in Thailand on Thursday.

Prime Minister Modi had spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one.&nbsp;

EAM also participated in 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of he counterparts on the sidelines of the Asean plus gathering. These were Thai FM Don Pramudwinai, New Zealand FM Winston Peters, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy &nbsp;Federica Mogherini, Japan FM Taro Kono, Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr, Indonesian FM Retno Marsudi, British FS Dominic Raab, Singapore's FM Vivian Balakrishnan, &nbsp;Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and Chinese FM Wang Yi.&nbsp;

EAM goes to China later this month for a preparatory visit for the 2nd India China informal summit that will happen by the end of this year.&nbsp;

On day 2 of his visit, Jaishankar will be participating at the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM) &amp; 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Day one of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Thailand visit saw a focus on Act East policy, Indo Pacific concept and meeting 10 of his counterparts. EAM is who is on 2-day visit to Bangkok speaking at the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting called the grouping a " critical element of India's act east policy and strategy" and that "acting east is also implementing our Indo Pacific outlook and its the logical extrapolation.

Day one of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Thailand visit saw a focus on Act East policy, Indo Pacific concept and meeting 10 of his counterparts. EAM is who is on 2-day visit to Bangkok speaking at the ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting called the grouping a " critical element of India's act east policy and strategy" and that "acting east is also implementing our Indo Pacific outlook and its the logical extrapolation." India's 'act east' policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries. Talking about connectivity with ASEAN, EAM said, "India seeks greater connectedness with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity with the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political connectivity and close contact at people to people level." Adding, "The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership." The ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on 25 January 2018. The Indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are both keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it. "I was heartened to see ASEAN recently released its outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which also supports sovereignty, transparency, good governance, a rules-based order, among many other things" US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said during his opening remarks at U.S.-ASEAN Ministerial in Thailand on Thursday. Prime Minister Modi had spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one. EAM also participated in 10th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and met 10 of he counterparts on the sidelines of the Asean plus gathering. These were Thai FM Don Pramudwinai, New Zealand FM Winston Peters, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Japan FM Taro Kono, Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr, Indonesian FM Retno Marsudi, British FS Dominic Raab, Singapore's FM Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and Chinese FM Wang Yi. EAM goes to China later this month for a preparatory visit for the 2nd India China informal summit that will happen by the end of this year. On day 2 of his visit, Jaishankar will be participating at the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM) & 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Day-1 of S Jaishankar in Thailand: Focus on Act East, Indo-Pacific and meeting 10 foreign ministers

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation."

Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Bangkok, was speaking at the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting. India's "act east" policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries.&nbsp;

Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level."

"The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added.

The ASEAN-India ministerial meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on January 25, 2018.&nbsp;

The indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one.&nbsp;

Jaishankar&nbsp;will also participate in East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) ministerial Meeting.

Earlier in the day, he met Thailand foreign minister and ASEAN Chair Don Pramudwinai, &nbsp;and New Zealand finance minister Winston peter.&nbsp;

He is expected to meet US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. This will be the first high-level engagement between Indian and American after US President Donald Trump said that he was willing to mediate between Indian and Pakistan on Kashmir issue.

The comments were dismissed by New Delhi who said all issues between India and Pakistan can only be resolved bilaterally in accordance with Shimla and Lahore agreements which do not allow 3rd party mediation.

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation.

Calling ASEAN grouping a "critical element of India's act east policy and strategy", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said, "acting east is also implementing our Indo-Pacific outlook" and "its logical extrapolation." Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Bangkok, was speaking at the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting. India's "act east" policy that evolved from the "look east" policy call for greater engagement with ASEAN countries. Talking about connectivity, he said, "India seeks greater connect with the ASEAN region. We envision connectivity within the region in very broad terms including physical, economic and political and close contact at people to people level." "The historic, cultural, economic political that have existed between India and ASEAN region are the stepping stones to achieve the vision of a more connected India and ASEAN region and a closer partnership," he added. The ASEAN-India ministerial meeting which was co-chaired by EAM and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also reviewed progress on implementation of decisions between ASEAN and India during the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in New Delhi on January 25, 2018. The indo-pacific concept is expected to dominate conversations in Bangkok as Delhi and Washington are keen on it and ASEAN has also issued its outlook on it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about India's vision Indo-pacific concept last year at Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore and this year in Maldivian parliament and said New Delhi is vision is an inclusive one. Jaishankar will also participate in East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (EAS FMM), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) ministerial Meeting. Earlier in the day, he met Thailand foreign minister and ASEAN Chair Don Pramudwinai, and New Zealand finance minister Winston peter. He is expected to meet US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo. This will be the first high-level engagement between Indian and American after US President Donald Trump said that he was willing to mediate between Indian and Pakistan on Kashmir issue. The comments were dismissed by New Delhi who said all issues between India and Pakistan can only be resolved bilaterally in accordance with Shimla and Lahore agreements which do not allow 3rd party mediation.

India seeks greater connectedness with the ASEAN: Jaishankar at ministerial meeting in Bangkok

WION World Order: Geopolitical Significance of Indo-Pacific, An ASEAN View

The US Senate on Tuesday passed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asean-acknowledges-indo-pacific-concept-offers-its-centrality-as-means-of-engagement-229736">National Defense Authorisation Act(NDAA)</a> upgrading India to NATO ally-like status with the expansion of defence ties.

The bill "expresses support for enhancing the major defence partnership with India".&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-always-stand-for-open-indo-pacific-we-have-put-china-on-notice-pence-190830">US NDAA budget 2020 passed</a> by the Senate aims to empower the Department of Defence to make investments to ensure "competitive distance between the United States and Russia and China".

The draft of the bill which was prepared by Democrat Adam Smith was criticised by China earlier for its "negative content" which seeks to block the transfer of sensitive technology to China and prevents Chinese state companies from receiving US federal funds.

According to the bill, it prioritises defence investments that restore US&nbsp;"comparative military advantage and deters aggression" by supporting an "army multi-domain task force for the Indo-Pacific region to develop capabilities and operational concepts to restore the US comparative military advantage in the region".

It also seeks to increase "funding for posture site assessments in the Indo-Pacific region to accelerate the transition to smaller, dispersed, resilient&nbsp;and dynamic basing".

In May, Vice President Mike Pence had said the US was building a "new and stronger bonds with countries like India to advance its vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific".

Last year, the US had rechristened&nbsp;the Pacific Command to Indo-Pacific Command to signal India's importance. In a move to push the concept, in July last year, the US had announced $113 million in new regional investments focused on digital connectivity, infrastructure and energy for the Indo-Pacific region.

The NDAA bill also highlights establishing "secure fifth-generation (5G) wireless network technologies for the war fighter and provides funding to start this effort at two Air Force locations" while setting forth a "new strategy for securing a trusted supply chain of advanced microelectronics for the United States and US allies and partners.

The US House of Representatives will now take up the bill this month to sign into law.

The US Senate on Tuesday passed the National Defense Authorisation Act(NDAA) upgrading India to NATO ally-like status with the expansion of defence ties. The bill "expresses support for enhancing the major defence partnership with India".

The US Senate on Tuesday passed the National Defense Authorisation Act(NDAA) upgrading India to NATO ally-like status with the expansion of defence ties. The bill "expresses support for enhancing the major defence partnership with India". The US NDAA budget 2020 passed by the Senate aims to empower the Department of Defence to make investments to ensure "competitive distance between the United States and Russia and China". The draft of the bill which was prepared by Democrat Adam Smith was criticised by China earlier for its "negative content" which seeks to block the transfer of sensitive technology to China and prevents Chinese state companies from receiving US federal funds. According to the bill, it prioritises defence investments that restore US "comparative military advantage and deters aggression" by supporting an "army multi-domain task force for the Indo-Pacific region to develop capabilities and operational concepts to restore the US comparative military advantage in the region". It also seeks to increase "funding for posture site assessments in the Indo-Pacific region to accelerate the transition to smaller, dispersed, resilient and dynamic basing". In May, Vice President Mike Pence had said the US was building a "new and stronger bonds with countries like India to advance its vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific". Last year, the US had rechristened the Pacific Command to Indo-Pacific Command to signal India's importance. In a move to push the concept, in July last year, the US had announced $113 million in new regional investments focused on digital connectivity, infrastructure and energy for the Indo-Pacific region. The NDAA bill also highlights establishing "secure fifth-generation (5G) wireless network technologies for the war fighter and provides funding to start this effort at two Air Force locations" while setting forth a "new strategy for securing a trusted supply chain of advanced microelectronics for the United States and US allies and partners. The US House of Representatives will now take up the bill this month to sign into law.

US Senate passes National Defense Authorisation Act to give India Nato ally-like status

US President Donald Trump met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-at-g20-summit-discusses-ways-to-deepen-indo-german-ties-231118">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on day one of the G20 summit and agreed to resolve trade issues which have been bone of contention between New Delhi-Washington ties. Both leaders directed that trade issues need to be discussed and trade ministers of both countries will be meeting soon to resolve issues, the date of which is being decided.

While PM Modi said, "we are committed to India-US ties", Trump congratulated PM Modi for his re-election and said, "you deserve it. You have done a great job".

Trump added, "We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer...We'll work together in many ways including military."

US President Donald Trump had a bilateral meeting with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, after which both together came to the room in which<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-south-korean-president-moon-jae-in-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231099"> PM Modi was present</a>. At around 9.15am (Japan time), the JAI -Japan, America, India trilateral began which was followed by the Modi-Trump bilateral.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/modi-trump-bilateral-on-sidelines-of-g20-summit-231272/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"India has reduced oil imports from Iran", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said in a press conference, "despite its impact on the Indian economy, we have been able to sustain the position". This is the first public acknowledgement by India that it is reducing import of oil from Iran, which supplies 11 per cent of India's energy needs.

PM Modi, outlined India's energy concerns and large diaspora in the regions which can be impacted due to US-Iran tensions.

On Huawei 5G issue, "the main issue was to bring in focus on how we can work to leverage our markets, our capabilities, and our desire to make in India" said, India's foreign secretary.

India is the second largest market of mobiles and India's discussion on to use or not to use allow China's Huawei for 5G will have a major global impact.

No discussions happened on the Indo-Russia S-400 missile defence deal, on which Washington has been raising concerns to India.

During the JAI trilateral between Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, US President Donal Trump and Indian PM Modi the focus was on Indo-Pacific.

PM Modi said, "JAI means victory.. we have a common interest on Indo-Pacific"

This is the second meet of JAI, the first happened in Argentina in 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

All three leaders were seen sharing personal rapport. In the evening, all three leaders were seen sitting together at the dinner hosted by Japan PM for all at the heads of state. &nbsp;

US President Donald Trump met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on day one of the G20 summit and agreed to resolve trade issues which have been bone of contention between New Delhi-Washington ties.

US President Donald Trump met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on day one of the G20 summit and agreed to resolve trade issues which have been bone of contention between New Delhi-Washington ties. Both leaders directed that trade issues need to be discussed and trade ministers of both countries will be meeting soon to resolve issues, the date of which is being decided. While PM Modi said, "we are committed to India-US ties", Trump congratulated PM Modi for his re-election and said, "you deserve it. You have done a great job". Trump added, "We have become great friends and our countries have never been closer...We'll work together in many ways including military." US President Donald Trump had a bilateral meeting with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, after which both together came to the room in which PM Modi was present. At around 9.15am (Japan time), the JAI -Japan, America, India trilateral began which was followed by the Modi-Trump bilateral. "India has reduced oil imports from Iran", foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said in a press conference, "despite its impact on the Indian economy, we have been able to sustain the position". This is the first public acknowledgement by India that it is reducing import of oil from Iran, which supplies 11 per cent of India's energy needs. PM Modi, outlined India's energy concerns and large diaspora in the regions which can be impacted due to US-Iran tensions. On Huawei 5G issue, "the main issue was to bring in focus on how we can work to leverage our markets, our capabilities, and our desire to make in India" said, India's foreign secretary. India is the second largest market of mobiles and India's discussion on to use or not to use allow China's Huawei for 5G will have a major global impact. No discussions happened on the Indo-Russia S-400 missile defence deal, on which Washington has been raising concerns to India. During the JAI trilateral between Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, US President Donal Trump and Indian PM Modi the focus was on Indo-Pacific. PM Modi said, "JAI means victory.. we have a common interest on Indo-Pacific" This is the second meet of JAI, the first happened in Argentina in 2018 on the sidelines of the G20 summit. All three leaders were seen sharing personal rapport. In the evening, all three leaders were seen sitting together at the dinner hosted by Japan PM for all at the heads of state.

We have become great friends, we'll work together in many ways including military: Trump to PM Modi at G20

Even by diplomatic standards, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-puts-forward-five-point-approach-to-tackle-challenges-like-unilateralism-protectionism-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231060">the first day of the G20 Summit</a> was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka.

The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings.

The JAI meeting, that happened in the morning, saw PM Modi talking about the Indo Pacific region. PM said, " JAI means victory... we have a common interest on the Indo Pacific".

This is the second meet of JAI, the first happened in Argentina last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The RIC meeting saw PM recalling the RIC foreign ministers' meet earlier this year where the focus was on "counter-terrorism, international hot-spot issues, reformed multilateralism, climate change".

RIC discussed global trading regimes and need for rules-based trading order and support for the WTO reforms while slamming protectionism. Remember, two members of the RIC, India and China, have faced Washington's heat on the trade issue.

Other than PM's much-touted bilateral with US President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saudi-arabia-raises-indias-haj-quota-by-30000-231128">PM met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-south-korean-president-moon-jae-in-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231099">South Korean President Moon Jae-in</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-at-g20-summit-discusses-ways-to-deepen-indo-german-ties-231118">German Chancellor Angela Merkel</a>.

With the Saudi Crown Prince, PM discussed the current situation in the Gulf.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-400-missile-deal-not-discussed-by-pm-modi-and-trump-at-g20-summit-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-231037">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said</a>, "They discussed the situation in the Gulf and the prime minister said that this could impact oil prices which is important for India. The PM appreciated the efforts by Saudi Arabia in ensuring oil supplies have remained stable and oil prices have remained predictable in the last few months".

"Iran wasn't discussed especially," the Foreign Secretary added.

The crown prince has invited the Indian PM for a conference in his country which will happen later this year. The Haj quota has also been increased for Indians from 170,000 to 200,000.

While with Merkel PM Modi discussed artificial intelligence and railway modernisation, with South Korea the focus was on improving visa regime between the two countries. South Korea has recently liberalized group visas for Indian tourists.

PM also had pull-aside meetings Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and World Bank President &nbsp;David Malpass. He met several world leaders such as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Even by diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings.

Even by diplomatic standards, the first day of the G20 Summit was not only hectic but showed how India was a sought after country at the event in Osaka. The two trilaterals - JAI - between Japan, America, India and RIC - between Russia, India, China showed how India was the common factor in the two groupings. The JAI meeting, that happened in the morning, saw PM Modi talking about the Indo Pacific region. PM said, " JAI means victory... we have a common interest on the Indo Pacific". This is the second meet of JAI, the first happened in Argentina last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The RIC meeting saw PM recalling the RIC foreign ministers' meet earlier this year where the focus was on "counter-terrorism, international hot-spot issues, reformed multilateralism, climate change". RIC discussed global trading regimes and need for rules-based trading order and support for the WTO reforms while slamming protectionism. Remember, two members of the RIC, India and China, have faced Washington's heat on the trade issue. Other than PM's much-touted bilateral with US President Donald Trump, PM met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. With the Saudi Crown Prince, PM discussed the current situation in the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They discussed the situation in the Gulf and the prime minister said that this could impact oil prices which is important for India. The PM appreciated the efforts by Saudi Arabia in ensuring oil supplies have remained stable and oil prices have remained predictable in the last few months". "Iran wasn't discussed especially," the Foreign Secretary added. The crown prince has invited the Indian PM for a conference in his country which will happen later this year. The Haj quota has also been increased for Indians from 170,000 to 200,000. While with Merkel PM Modi discussed artificial intelligence and railway modernisation, with South Korea the focus was on improving visa regime between the two countries. South Korea has recently liberalized group visas for Indian tourists. PM also had pull-aside meetings Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and World Bank President David Malpass. He met several world leaders such as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

In talks with world leaders at G20, PM Modi discusses Indo-Pacific, terrorism, situation in Gulf

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