Washington, D.C – The US State Department has reported that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions regarding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and its capacity to generate substantial investments in high-quality infrastructure.
During their dialogue, the two leaders covered a wide range of topics, including the significant outcomes of India’s G20 presidency. The State Department’s statement read, “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar discussed a full range of issues, including key outcomes of India’s G20 presidency, and the creation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and its potential to generate transparent, sustainable, and high-standard infrastructure investments.”
Ahead of the upcoming 2+2 Dialogue, the two leaders emphasized the ongoing importance of cooperation, particularly in the areas of defense, space, and clean energy.
Notably, during the G20 Summit in India, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. This corridor will consist of two separate segments: the East corridor connecting India to West Asia/Middle East and the Northern corridor connecting West Asia/Middle East to Europe. It is expected to boost economic expansion by enhancing connectivity and economic integration between Asia, West Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The corridor will include a rail line that, once completed, will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network, complementing existing multi-modal transport routes and improving the transshipment of goods and services from Southeast Asia through India to West Asia/Middle East Europe.
Meanwhile, Jaishankar also participated in discussions on India-US collaboration in critical and emerging technology, with a focus on creating resilient supply chains. The India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), announced in May 2022, aims to strengthen the strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the two countries.
iCET seeks to establish the two countries as trusted technology partners by building technology value chains and supporting co-development and co-production initiatives. It also addresses regulatory restrictions, export controls, and mobility barriers through a standing mechanism.
In September 2023, India and the US are expected to conduct a midterm review of iCET, further driving momentum toward the next annual iCET review, co-led by the National Security Advisors of both countries in early 2024.
Additionally, the External Affairs Minister met with members of Congress, administration officials, business leaders, and think tank representatives at India House in Washington, DC, underscoring the importance of regular conversations in strengthening the India-US relationship.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai to discuss the expanding trade and economic relationship between India and the US. He also held discussions with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, recognizing the significant progress made in bilateral relations this year and exploring ways to continue this positive trajectory.
Furthermore, Jaishankar participated in a conversation with think tanks, shedding light on India’s evolving role in global transformation.