U.S./New Delhi: The United States (U.S.) Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a telephonic talks on January 11 with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (Dr. S. Jaishankar). 

Their conversation was focused on maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region. 

They also discussed ongoing situations in West Asia, including Gaza.

Both leaders exchanged perspectives on developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict. 

"The Secretary and External Affairs Minister discussed the United States and India's shared concerns over reckless Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which threaten the free flow of commerce, endanger innocent mariners, and violate international law", the U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said on January 11.

The U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller posted on social media platform X on January 12: 

".@SecBlinken had a productive call with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar, discussing U.S.-India partnership for protecting freedom of navigation in critical waterways."

During the talks, the U.S. Secretary Blinken emphasized the Red Sea is a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade and welcomed increased cooperation with India in defending freedom of navigation in the region.

Secretary Blinken and EAM Jaishankar also discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, efforts to prevent the conflict's escalation and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

During the talks, EAM Jaishankar also said that he is looking forward to realizing India-U.S. extensive cooperation agenda for 2024.

Taking the social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar wrote on January 11: 

"A good discussion this evening with my friend US @SecBlinken. Our conversation focused on maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region. Appreciated his insights on ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza. Exchanged perspectives on developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict. Looking forward to realizing our extensive cooperation agenda for 2024."

The Secretary also discussed Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine with EAM Jaishankar.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken's recent visit was to Istanbul, Türkiye; Crete, Greece; Amman, Jordan; Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates; Al 'Ula, Saudi Arabia; Tel Aviv, Israel; the West Bank; Manama, Bahrain; and Cairo, Egypt.

His visit was started from January 4-11, 2024. 

During his trip, the Secretary underscored the importance of protecting civilian lives in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza and securing the release of all remaining hostages.

During his recent visit, Secretary Blinken also discussed urgent mechanisms to stem violence, calm rhetoric, and reduce regional tensions, including deterring Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and avoiding escalation in Lebanon.  

The Secretary also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to working with partners to set the conditions necessary for peace in the Middle East, which includes comprehensive, tangible steps toward the realization of a future Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, with both living in peace and security during his recent visit.