Anthony Blinken, US Secretary Of State’s Visit To India: Key Issues Likely On Table

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his first visit to India, is set to discuss a range of issues, including bilateral ties, the Quad meet to be held later this year, and human rights. He’s scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on July 27 & meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar & National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Blinken is the third US official to visit India this year, after US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin & US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South & Central Asian Affairs in the US administration, Dean Thompson, at a briefing on July 24 morning stated that Blinken will raise issues of human rights & democracy on his two-day visit. PTI reported that the developments in Afghanistan will also feature in the talks with the US Secretary. Blinken is also expected to lay the groundwork of the Quad summit and the annual US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held later this year. Reportedly, India will discuss the resumption of international travel in view of the coronavirus pandemic especially easing mobility of students, professionals, business travellers, family reunions, humanitarian cases. PTI reported that according to sources, climate change will also figure in the conversation, given the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership. Watch the video to know more.