Mon Jan 20 01:13:11 UTC 2025: ## Jaishankar Holds Key QUAD Meetings in Washington Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration

**Washington, D.C. –** Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Australia and Japan in Washington D.C. on Sunday, focusing on bilateral issues and the QUAD alliance. The meetings took place ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.

Mr. Jaishankar met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, discussing progress in bilateral cooperation and developments within the QUAD framework. The QUAD, comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, is expected to be a high priority for the incoming Trump administration’s second term. Sources indicate that incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose Senate confirmation is expected imminently, plans to meet with Mr. Jaishankar shortly after assuming office, highlighting the importance of the India-U.S. relationship.

All three QUAD foreign ministers are in Washington to attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration. In a separate development, Vice President-elect JD Vance met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, discussing issues such as fentanyl, trade balance, and regional stability. The meetings underscore the complex geopolitical landscape as the Trump administration begins its second term.

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