The India-US '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial dialogue took place in New Delhi, where both countries discussed various topics including global strategic partnership, defence cooperation, emerging technologies, people-to-people ties, regional concerns in the Indo-Pacific, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The American side was represented by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, while the Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted that India and the US are exploring cooperation in critical technologies, civil outer space, critical minerals, and other established areas. He emphasised the goal of building a forward-looking partnership and constructing a shared global agenda. Jaishankar also mentioned the significant trade between the two countries, the large number of Indian students studying in the US, and the Indian diaspora in America. The Indo-Pacific region was a key focus of the discussions.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Jaishankar expressed India's concern and reiterated the country's support for the resumption of direct negotiations for a sovereign and independent state of Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US in June marked a new chapter in the India-US relationship.
Blinken, on the other hand, saw the 2+2 dialogue as an opportunity to advance India-US relations. He emphasised the robust partnership between the two countries and their collaboration on matters with future implications. Blinken highlighted the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific, including through the Quad partnership with Japan and Australia. He also stressed the importance of deepening ties between the people of India and the US, including educational exchanges and reducing visa wait times.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of defence in the bilateral ties between India and the US. He noted the growing convergence of strategic interests and enhanced defence, security, and intelligence cooperation. Singh highlighted the need to focus on important and long-term issues despite emerging geopolitical challenges, emphasising that the partnership between India and the US is critical for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the momentum in the India-US relationship and the need for the two largest democracies to exchange views and find common goals. He mentioned the impressive gains made in building the major defence partnership over the past year and how it contributes to peace and stability.The 2+2 dialogue serves as a key diplomatic initiative to review and strengthen the expanding strategic ties between India and the US.
Image Source : (The Hindu)
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