EAM Jaishankar holds proactive discussions with American, British, Canadian, and European counterparts
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been engaging in a series of diplomatic discussions with his counterparts on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that emphasize India's proactive approach in tackling global challenges and enhancing bilateral relationships. 
 
His schedule for the conference, being held from February 16-18, 2024, featured a panel conversation with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the theme 'Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities.'
 
On the sidelines, he held a detailed discussion with Secretary Blinken on February 16, 2024, which covered critical issues such as the situation in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific, with a particular focus on the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
 
"Great to meet my friend US @SecBlinken this afternoon on #MSC2024 sidelines. 
 
Our talk centered on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine and Indo-Pacific. Reviewed the continuing progress in our bilateral ties," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X. 
 
This meeting underscored the active efforts of the US and India to maintain stability in economically volatile regions and to pursue a peaceful and secure resolution to conflicts in West Asia.
 
Additionally, EAM Jaishankar had discussions with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, his UK counterpart David Cameron, and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly among others, in addition to calling on Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 
 
He shared updates about these interactions through a series of posts on X.
 
"So good to meet my German colleague FM @ABaerbock on #MSC2024 sidelines. A wide ranging conversation on global challenges and the pathway ahead. Appreciated her insights and assessments. Also reviewed preparations for the next meeting of our Inter Governmental Consultations," he posted after meeting his German counterpart. 
 
EAM Jaishankar also met Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, in the backdrop of strained diplomatic ties in recent months.
 
On his meeting with the Canadian Foreign Minister, he said, "Met my Canadian counterpart FM @melaniejoly on sidelines of #MSC2024. 
 
Our conversation understandably focused on the present state of our bilateral ties. Was also useful to exchange views on the global situation".
 
He earlier posted about his meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Cameron and wrote, "Started my engagements at #MunichSecurityConference by meeting UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron. 
 
A good discussion on our bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues. Also exchanged views on the cricket match underway".
On Saturday (February 17, 2024), he called on the Bangladeshi Prime Minister. “Honored to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. Congratulated her on the renewed mandate. Appreciated her guidance for taking India Bangladesh Maitri forward,” EAM Jaishankar said on X.
 
He also met World Health Organization Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Portugal's Foreign Minister Joao Cravinho, Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, and Belgium's Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib.
 
Additionally, his meetings with the European Union's High Representative Josep Borrell, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel, Greek Minister of National Defence Nicos Dendias, and Argentinian Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, prioritised India's role in addressing global challenges and boosting bilateral economic and political cooperation.