External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, just a day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Expressing his gratitude to the newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio for hosting the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the timing. "This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states," he posted on Twitter.

During the meeting, the External Affairs Minister engaged with his counterparts on "different dimensions" of achieving a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

In a tweet, Jaishankar stated that the Quad would remain a force for global good. The Quad ministers, which included Australia's Penny Wong, Japan's Takeshi Iwaya and Marco Rubio from the United States, agreed to strengthen collaboration among the member nations.

"Attended a productive Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting today in Washington DC. Thank @secrubio for hosting us and FMs @SenatorWong and Takeshi Iwaya for their participation," he stated.

"Significant that the Quad FMM took place within hours of the inauguration of the Trump administration. This underlines the priority it has in the foreign policy of its member states. Our wide-ranging discussions addressed different dimensions of ensuring a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific," he added.

"We agreed on the importance of thinking bigger, deepening the agenda and intensifying our collaboration. The meeting today sends a clear message that in an uncertain and volatile world, the Quad will continue to be a force for global good," he further stated.

The Quad is a strategic grouping designed to counter China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea, a region that Beijing claims in its entirety.

"Our four nations maintain our conviction that international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability and security in all domains, including the maritime domain, underpin the development and prosperity of the peoples of the Indo-Pacific. We also strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," as per the Quad’s statement after the meeting.

Jaishankar also had a bilateral meeting with Rubio, marking Rubio's first such engagement since assuming the role of Secretary of State. The two leaders assessed the state of bilateral relations and shared perspectives on various regional and global matters.

"Delighted to meet @secrubio for his first bilateral meeting after assumption of office as Secretary of State. Reviewed our extensive bilateral partnership, of which @secrubio has been a strong advocate. Also, exchanged views on a wide range of regional and global issues. Look forward to closely working with him to advance our strategic cooperation," he posted in X.

The External Affairs Minister also held a meeting with US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, expressing anticipation for "working together on an active and outcome-oriented agenda."

"Great to meet NSA @michaelgwaltz again this afternoon. Discussed strengthening our friendship to ensure mutual benefit and enhance global stability and prosperity," he expressed.

Jaishankar is currently in the US capital, where he attended Trump's swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda. The External Affairs Minister stated that it was a great honour to represent India at the inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump and JD Vance as the Vice President.

According to sources, Jaishankar also delivered a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Trump on Monday. At the inauguration, Jaishankar was seated prominently in the front row, a gesture seen as a clear indication of India’s intent to promote close ties with the new Trump administration. He was positioned in the first column alongside Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa, while his Japanese and Australian counterparts were seated two rows behind him during the event.