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.

US extends greetings to India on Republic Day, highlighting the enduring significance of the India-US relationship.

The United States extended greetings to India on Republic Day, and said Washington joins New Delhi on the occasion to recognize its "enduring significance as the foundation of the world's largest democracy.

Australia and other Quad nations pledged to work together following the first meeting of the diplomatic grouping since US President Donald Trump returned to power.Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her counterparts from India and Japan held talks with the new US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on  Wednesday (AEDT).

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has held one-on-one talks for the first time with newly sworn-in 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 ...

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.

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.

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.

The United States has congratulated India recognizing its “enduring significance as the foundation of the world’s largest democracy.” Recently, Marco Rubio marked his first day as US Secretary of State hosting the Foreign Ministers of Australia,