External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Friday, is understood to have held talks on the ongoing war in West Asia conflict and India’s energy requirements with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the margins of the G7 ministerial meeting in France.
The ongoing war in Ukraine is also believed to have figured prominently during the meeting.
‘’Useful talk this morning with US @SecRubio,’’ Jaishankar wrote on X later.
The US official is believed to have informed Jaishankar that President Donald Trump is committed to reaching a ceasefire and negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine war as soon as possible.
Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts from many other countries. He also spoke at the G7 meeting with invited partners on reform of global governance.
He underlined that the uncertainties arising from the conflicts in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains. At the same time, India’s FTAs with the European Union, EFTA members and UK have enhanced the utility of the Indian Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Jaishankar also spoke about the urgency of UNSC reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations and strengthening humanitarian chains. He specifically raised Global South’s concerns about energy challenges, fertilizer supplies and food security.