New Delhi, November 10, 2023 - The fifth annual India-US 2+2 foreign and defence ministerial dialogue takes center stage as US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III arrives in Delhi for pivotal discussions. The dialogue, slated for Friday, is set to address key issues such as the transfer of jet technology, a potential deal on MQ-9B drones, and the joint manufacturing of M777 howitzers and armoured personnel carriers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who warmly welcomed Austin at the Palam airport, expressed anticipation for fruitful deliberations during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and the subsequent bilateral meeting. Austin, reflecting on his arrival, emphasized that the current period marks a "time of great momentum in the U.S.-India partnership."
Led by Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar from the Indian side, and Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken from the American side, the 2+2 dialogue will delve into emerging technologies and supply chain resilience in the defence sector. The ongoing collaboration was highlighted during the intersessional dialogue in Washington D.C. in September, where both nations reviewed progress on implementing the Roadmap for US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation.
Co-production initiatives, negotiations on security of supply arrangements, and reciprocal defence procurement agreements were discussed during the intersessional dialogue. The agenda also encompassed strengthening interoperability, logistics cooperation, combined maritime engagements in the Indian Ocean Region, and expanded cooperation in the space and cyber domains.
Regional security developments and strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region are key aspects to be addressed during the dialogue. Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, underscored Washington's commitment to encouraging collaboration for producing world-class defence equipment and ensuring the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, prosperous, and secure.
The India-US 2+2 dialogue aims to advance the futuristic roadmap envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden in their discussions earlier this year. Designating India a "Major Defence Partner" in 2016 paved the way for critical military equipment and technology sharing, further solidified by agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA.
As the dialogue unfolds, the world watches to witness the deepening strategic ties between India and the United States, shaping the future of regional security and global cooperation in defence.
