Jaishankar, Mike Pompeo discuss 'Indo-Pacific Strategy' ahead of QUAD meet

New Delhi, October 06: Focusing on various aspects of bilateral ties and ways to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region, External Minister Dr. S Jaishankar held talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to see the progress of partnership in so many fields on the sidelines of the Quad ministerial meeting.

 

 

"Began my Tokyo visit with a bilateral meeting with @SecPompeo. Pleased to see the progress of our partnership in so many fields. Will work together for stability and prosperity in the Indo- Pacific," Jaishankar tweeted.

 

 

Pompeo and Jaishankar are in Tokyo to attend the second QUAD ministerial involving their counterparts from Australia and Japan. While Pompeo and Jaishankar talk over the phone at frequent intervals, however, this is their first meeting since the recent border face-off between India and China along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Both the countries have seen increased convergences on several issues, from security to Indo-Pacific. Both the leaders deliberated on overall ties including the evolving security scenario around India.

 

Along with them, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will be present in the QUAD meet for the face to face meeting, a first amid the pandemic. During the meeting, the four countries are likely to discuss the increasing aggression of China and call for a united front against the country. They will also discuss regional issues and collectively affirm the importance of maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the ministry said in a statement.

 

Before leaving for Tokyo, Pompeo had hoped to have expected "some significant announcements, some significant achievements" from the talks with his counterparts from India, Japan, and Australia.“It’s going to be a wonderful trip. It’s supporting something we’ve been working on for a long time to put together. To meet with our Quad partners is a project we’ve been preparing for. We’re hoping to have some significant announcements, significant achievements,” Pompeo said. This will be the first such major diplomatic engagement of the new Japanese Prime minister Yoshihide Suga.