EAM Jaishankar discusses with Blinken Ukraine issue, Indo-Pacific

Jakarta: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken here and discussed issues like Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific.

"Pleasure to meet Secretary Blinken. Followed up on PM Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US. Also exchanged views on Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific," the minister, who is here in the Indonesian capital, tweeted.

Pleasure to meet @SecBlinken.

Followed up on PM @narendramodi’s recent visit to the US. Also exchanged views on Ukraine, Myanmar and Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/rFVUJ6aO6h

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 14, 2023

The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region, comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.

The US, India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region.

The minister is visiting Indonesia for the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format -- ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum.

Jaishankar at the sidelines of the ARF meetings also met Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Vice-President of the European Commission.

"Appreciate the conversation today with EU High Representative @JosepBorrellF on the sidelines of the ARF meetings. Had a detailed discussion on the Ukraine conflict and the situation in Myanmar," Jaishankar said in another tweet.

After Jakarta, Jaishankar will travel to Bangkok in Thailand to participate in the 12th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Mechanism on July 16 and also attend the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Retreat on July 17.