US and India Hold Crucial Talks Ahead of 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in substantive discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, laying the groundwork for the annual “two plus two” talks. Jaishankar underscored the paramount importance of Blinken’s visit, accentuating the need to build upon the diplomatic exchanges initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June and US President Joe Biden in September.
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is framed to provide a comprehensive assessment of bilateral engagements, with a particular focus on shared interests within the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries are integral members of the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). Jaishankar expressed concerns over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia, emphasising their substantial impact on regional stability.
During the discussions, Jaishankar extended his gratitude to the United States government and President Biden for their pivotal support during the recently concluded G20 Summit in September. He attributed the summit’s success to the robust backing received from the United States, which was crucial for garnering consensus and achieving positive outcomes.
In response, Blinken conveyed his pleasure at being in India and highlighted the strengthening bonds between the two nations. He characterised the engagement as part of a remarkable year of diplomatic interactions, emphasising the profound nature of the bilateral partnership. Blinken underscored the regional and global dimensions of the relationship, citing India’s leadership during the G20 Summit as evidence of its influential role on the international stage.
Acknowledging the shared strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific, Blinken stressed the urgency of collaborative efforts between the United States and India in the region. He expressed the United States’ commitment to building a future together with India, citing the ongoing 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue as a testament to the resolute focus on the Indo-Pacific.
Blinken’s visit to New Delhi follows his engagements in South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East, forming part of an extensive diplomatic tour. The upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, where he will be joined by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, is poised to delve into discussions on defence and security cooperation, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi expressed optimism, anticipating that Blinken’s visit would provide a significant boost to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
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