WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his counterpart, S Jaishankar on Monday to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship and cooperation on regional security issues, Ned Price, the spokesman of the US Department of State said in a statement.

“Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar agreed to close and frequent coordination in support of a lasting peace and development for the people of Afghanistan. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and mutual support for the restoration of democracy in Burma (Myanmar),” the statement read.

According to the statement, “Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar discussed US-India cooperation on climate change, COVID-19, and other global challenges and pledged to remain in close contact on these and other issues of mutual concern."

Earlier in the Indian foreign minister tweeted about his conversation with the US secretary of state, saying: "Spoke to my US counterpart Secretary of State @SecBlinken this evening. Conversation covered recent developments in India's immediate and extended neighborhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation." — Agencies