The inaugural U.S - India 2+2 Dialogue will take place in Washington D.C, the capital city of the United States.
- As per a statement from the U.S. State Department "The dialogue will focus on strengthening strategic, security, and defence cooperation as the United States and India jointly confront global challenges."
- Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis will host External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Washington, D.C.
- The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India said in a statement that “The two sides are expected to share perspectives on strengthening their strategic and security ties and exchange views on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
About 2+2 Dialogue:
- It was during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington D.C. in June 2017, that this new dialogue format was agreed to between the two sides.
- It will replace earlier India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue.
- It is similar to India-Japan 2+2 dialogue format between foreign and defence secretaries of the two countries.
- The 2+2 Dialogue between US and India aims to enhance strategic coordination between both countries and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- It will put strategic, defence and security relationship between the two countries at the forefront and centre stage.
- It will enhance strategic coordination between the two nations and also elevate strategic consultations between both countries.
Challenges so far:
- The meeting takes place amid considerable divergence between the two countries on several strategic and trade issues.
- Tina Kaidanow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs, who visited India recently, asked New Delhi to desist from conduct that might invite sanctions. The U.S is pressing India to scale down its defence cooperation with Russia.
- Negotiations on India’s proposed purchase of Guardian Avenger armed drones from the U.S. is dependent on the progress of talks on the Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA) between the two countries.
- Nevertheless, this new format dialogue will be closely watched and carefully perceived by both the countries.
