External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior representatives from the European Union, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, as India continued to deepen engagement with key global partners amid a rapidly evolving international landscape.

The meetings formed part of a packed diplomatic schedule during the two-day gathering hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with discussions spanning regional security challenges, trade, energy security, critical minerals, defence cooperation and multilateral issues.

Jaishankar met European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, with discussions focusing on two major geopolitical concerns.

“Discussed the Ukraine conflict and the Gulf situation with EU HRVP @kajakallas,” he said.

The talks come at a time when the Ukraine conflict and instability in West Asia continue to affect global energy markets, supply chains and broader economic activity.

The External Affairs Minister also met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, underlining the importance of the India-Germany partnership.

“Great to meet FM Johann Wadephul of Germany. Always look forward to my discussions with @AussenMinDE,” Jaishankar said.

India and Germany have steadily expanded cooperation in recent years across technology, clean energy, manufacturing, skilled workforce development and defence-related sectors.

During his meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, discussions covered both bilateral ties and wider international developments.

“A pleasure to sit down with FM Mauro Vieira of Brazil. Our conversation covered bilateral and global issues,” Jaishankar said.

India and Brazil, both influential voices in the Global South and members of BRICS and the G20, have increasingly coordinated on issues ranging from trade and food security to multilateral reform.

Jaishankar’s talks with Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Álvarez focused on strengthening bilateral engagement and exploring fresh opportunities for cooperation.

“My meeting with FM Roberto Velasco Álvarez @r_velascoa of Mexico was focussed on giving a new impetus to our ties,” he said.

Mexico has emerged as an increasingly important partner for India in areas such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, information technology and supply-chain diversification.

The External Affairs Minister also met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and reviewed the trajectory of bilateral relations.

“Delighted to meet FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada today. Assessed the steady growth of our cooperation,” he said.

The meeting signalled continued efforts by both countries to strengthen engagement across economic and strategic sectors.

In discussions with Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, Jaishankar reviewed cooperation in a broad range of areas.

“Glad to meet FM Pablo Quirno @pabloquirno of Argentina on the sidelines of @g20org #Atlanta. Discussed trade, critical minerals, defence and nuclear cooperation. Also spoke about multilateral issues,” he said.

Argentina is increasingly important for India’s long-term resource security strategy, particularly because of its large reserves of lithium and other critical minerals required for advanced technologies and clean-energy supply chains.

The Atlanta meetings provided India with an opportunity to review existing partnerships, identify new avenues for cooperation and exchange views on pressing international developments.

According to a source familiar with the developments, Jaishankar’s schedule on the margins of the G20 was extensive, covering partners across Europe, North America, East Asia and Latin America.

He arrived in Atlanta on Friday to participate in the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which is being hosted by Marco Rubio as part of the United States’ G20 presidency.

The broader agenda of the gathering has focused on energy security, resilient supply chains and the protection of maritime trade routes, issues of direct significance for India given its dependence on imported crude oil, LNG and fertilisers.

The meeting is taking place against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and disagreements among major powers over issues including Ukraine, regional conflicts and trade disruptions. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that Jaishankar will also attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting during his visit, alongside further bilateral engagements.

According to sources, the range of meetings reflects New Delhi’s continuing effort to diversify strategic and economic partnerships while maintaining flexibility in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Officials noted that each bilateral engagement serves a distinct purpose, ranging from technology and defence cooperation with European partners to access to resources and critical minerals in Latin America, while also strengthening political and economic ties across North America and other regions.

Taken together, the diplomatic engagements underscore India’s broader strategy of expanding international partnerships at a time when global trade flows, energy markets and supply chains remain under pressure.

Following the conclusion of the Atlanta meetings, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Antigua and Barbuda to participate in Commonwealth-related engagements.

ANI