India and the United States engaged in a significant 2+2 ministerial dialogue on Friday, focusing on expanding their global strategic partnership. Pics/PTI
The discussions, led by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, covered various aspects, including defence industrial ties, Indo-Pacific engagement, and cooperation in critical areas like critical minerals and high-technology.
Jaishankar said that the dialogue aimed to advance the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in constructing a forward-looking partnership.
The exploration of cooperation in critical technologies, civil outer space collaboration, and critical minerals were highlighted as new domains.
Blinken underlined the commitment to promoting a free and open, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific, strengthening the US-India partnership through the Quad.
He stated that the focus on bolstering the partnership in international peace, security, and upholding principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the growing interest in strategic convergence and enhanced defence cooperation in the bilateral relationship.
Defence cooperation was acknowledged as one of the most crucial pillars of the India-US partnership, and Singh expressed eagerness to closely collaborate with the US across various domains of capability building.
US Defence Secretary Austin highlighted the significance of the dialogue in the face of urgent global challenges. He stressed the importance of the two largest democracies exchanging views, finding common goals, and working together to deliver for their people.
The strengthening ties between the US and India were seen as promising for the future and common efforts towards a more secure world.
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