Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Ms. Wendy Sherman visited India from 5 to 7 October 2021.

The visit which followed Prime Minister’s recent visit to USA, provided an excellent opportunity for both sides to follow-up on the outcomes of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Joseph R Biden and also the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

In Delhi, Deputy Secretary Sherman called on External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor and met Foreign Secretary. In Mumbai she had business interactions and visited the Western Naval Command where she met Vice Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief.

During their consultations, Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Secretary, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla reviewed ongoing collaboration under the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and reiterated their commitment to take forward the forward-looking agenda set by the respective Leaders.

Deputy Secretary Sherman appreciated India’s global outreach and assistance during the Covid pandemic. Both sides focused on containing the Covid-19 pandemic including through the Quad vaccine partnership to make vaccines available to the Indo-Pacific region; building resilient supply chains; and easing international travel. Cooperation in contemporary issues such as climate and clean energy, and emerging technologies was also discussed.

The situation in South Asia, including recent developments in Afghanistan, the need to counter cross-border terrorism, and ensure peace and stability including through implementation of UNSC Resolution 2593 received priority in these discussions. Both sides will continue to maintain regular dialogue and consultations on issues related to the region.

There was an exchange of views on the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmation of commitment to implement the positive and constructive initiatives of the Quad as announced at the recent Leaders’ Summit.

Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Secretary participated in a special session of the India-Ideas Summit, organised by the U.S.-India Business Council.

Several bilateral dialogue mechanisms are slated to meet in the near future to review and identify measures to further deepen bilateral collaboration in trade and investment; defence, security and counter-terrorism, and strengthen people-to-people linkages.

As leading democracies, both countries also seek to build on their shared values and enhance the momentum of engagement on regional and global issues of common interest.

New Delhi
October 07, 2021