In Munich, Germany, the Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, engaged in a rendezvous with his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, amid the Munich Security Conference on Friday (local time). The discourse between the two leaders delved into the current state of their bilateral relations.

Jaishankar and Melanie Joly also exchanged perspectives on the global panorama. These conversations unfolded against the backdrop of strained ties between India and Canada, triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations in June 2023, accusing the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey.

India vehemently refuted these allegations, deeming them “absurd” and “motivated.” In a communication on X, Jaishankar articulated, “Conferred with my Canadian counterpart FM @melaniejoly on the sidelines of #MSC2024. Our dialogue naturally revolved around the present state of our bilateral relations. It was also constructive to share perspectives on the global scenario.”

The 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC) commenced as an in-person event from February 16-18, hosted at its traditional venue, the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, as per an official statement. The conference, under the chairmanship of the German Ambassador to the US, Christoph Heusgen, centers on a diverse array of international issues.

Earlier, Jaishankar convened with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, engaging in discussions about global challenges and the course of action ahead. The two leaders evaluated preparations for the upcoming meeting of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. Conveying the encounter on X, Jaishankar remarked, “A pleasure to rendezvous with my German colleague FM @ABaerbock on #MSC2024 sidelines. A comprehensive discourse on global challenges and the trajectory ahead. Valued her insights and evaluations. Also scrutinized preparations for the impending meeting of our Inter-Governmental Consultations.”

Further interactions included a meeting with Argentina’s counterpart, Diana Mondino, where economic and political cooperation between the two nations took center stage. In a post on X, Jaishankar conveyed, “An enjoyable meeting with FM @DianaMondino of Argentina this evening. Explored our economic and political collaboration. Anticipate collaborating with her.”

A meeting with the Greek Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, transpired as well. Jaishankar shared details on social media platform X, stating, “Pleased to encounter Minister of National Defense of Greece @NikosDendias on #MSC2024 sidelines. Shared perspectives on the major security challenges facing the world today.”

Continuing his diplomatic engagements, S Jaishankar met with European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Munich. In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed, “Elated to reconnect with EU HRVP @JosepBorrellF in Munich. Swapped insights on the prevailing global situation. Eagerly await his visit to India,” he added.

Jaishankar also conducted talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, centering on the ongoing situations in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. In a post on social media platform X, the EAM posted, “A gratifying encounter with my ally US @SecBlinken this afternoon on MSC 2024 sidelines. Our dialogue zeroed in on the situation in West Asia, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific. Scrutinized the ongoing progress in our bilateral ties.”

Friday’s diplomatic engagements kicked off with S Jaishankar meeting United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The discussions encompassed India-UK bilateral cooperation and global and regional issues. Sharing insights on the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, “Commenced my interactions at #MunichSecurityConference by conferring with UK Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron. A substantive discussion on our bilateral cooperation and pertinent global and regional issues. Also exchanged perspectives on the cricket match underway.”

Another meeting unfolded with Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel, focusing on the burgeoning bilateral partnership. The leaders also exchanged viewpoints on the Ukraine conflict. “A pleasure to encounter DPM and FM @GabrielMariya of Bulgaria on #MSC2024 sidelines. Explored our growing bilateral relationship and welcomed Bulgaria’s decision to join @isolaralliance. Also exchanged perspectives on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar conveyed on X.

Additionally, EAM Jaishankar engaged with Peru’s Foreign Minister Javier Gonzalez Olaechea, addressing the substantial reforms in the United Nations and fostering economic cooperation between India and Peru.