Grouping's first meeting under new US President reaffirms its commitment to Indo-Pacific security, though experts flag concerns, writes Bhaswar Kumar

Wishes poured-in for India from countries around the world as it celebrated its 76th Republic Day. Notable among them were the US, Brazil, France, South Africa, Russia, Nepal, the UAE, China and several other countries. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement wishing Indians on the occasion of Republic Day.

As India marked its 76th Republic Day with celebrations, embassies from across the world extended their warm wishes, emphasising the significance of India's democratic journey and its role in global partnerships.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said that Australia is one of the few foreign government to have been invited to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. During her visit,

The threat of punitive tariffs, critical minerals and the AUKUS partnership – not the future of Kevin Rudd’s ambassadorship – formed the basis of Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s first meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been mercilessly mocked for cosying ... Senator Wong has also met with other leaders of 'the Quad', India's external Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar ...

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has held one-on-one talks for the first time with newly sworn-in US secretary of state Marco Rubio.

The meeting, bringing together representatives of the four largest militaries in the Indo-Pacific, was a clear signal that the Trump administration will intensify military preparations and threats directed at China.

Penny Wong and Donald Trump hardly sound like a match made in political heaven. Yet, there was Australia’s foreign minister, in prime position.

Australia’s argument to avoid Donald Trump’s tariffs and maintain the AUKUS pact was successfully delivered on the first full day of his administration in his top diplomat’s first foreign engagements.

Fresh from attending Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, Foreign Minister Penny Wong will hold meetings with US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has used her first bilateral meeting with America’s top diplomat, Marco Rubio, to build support for the AUKUS partnership and promote closer economic security under a new Trump administration whose agenda has already unnerved close allies.