New Delhi, Jan 17 (UNI) There is likelihood of the Quad Foreign Ministers holding a meeting in Washington on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
While External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be attending the inauguration ceremony in Washington on January 20, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong have also confirmed their participation.
Amid reports that the three could hold an informal Quad meeting with Marco Rubio, who is likely to be the next Secretary of State, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not give a direct reply.
“We have seen that three Quad Foreign Ministers are expected be in Washington DC for the inaugural ceremony of Donald Trump as President. I will further update you on specific meetings,” he said.
Akihisa Nagashima, a special advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, posted on X that if the Quad foreign ministers meeting takes place it will help dispel “most of the worries and concerns” about the future of the bloc under Trump.
Asked if PM Modi had received an invite for the inauguration ceremony, the MEA spokesperson reiterated the statement issued a few days ago.
“At the invitation of the Trump-Vance inaugural committee, External Affairs Minister will represent India at the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America.
"During the visit, EAM will also have meetings with representatives of the incoming Administration, as also some other dignitaries visiting the US on that occasion."
UNI RN