Jaishankar, Blinken discuss strategic partnership, Indo-Pacific at India-US key meet

The India-US '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial dialogue was held on Friday in New Delhi. During the meeting, India and the US discussed global strategic partnership, defence cooperation, emerging technologies, people-to-people ties, and regional concerns in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the Israel-Hamas conflict.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin represented the American side, while the Indian delegation was headed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Highlighting that India and the US are exploring cooperation in domains such as critical technologies, civil outer space and critical minerals, along with already established areas, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the meeting aims towards "building a forward-looking partnership while we construct a shared global agenda".

"In the 2+2, we will undertake a comprehensive overview of cross-cutting strategic, defence, and security ties, technology and supply chain collaborations and people-to-people exchanges... Our trade is today in excess of USD 200 Billion... 2,70,000 Indian students study in the United States, and we have a diaspora of 4.4 million. A key focus of our discussions today will be the Indo-Pacific region," Jaishankar said.

Referring to the Israel-Hamas war, Jaishankar said the situation in the Middle East was a big concern.

He said, “India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognised borders, side-by-side at peace with Israel.”

He also said PM Modi's state visit to the United States in June opened a new chapter in the India-US relationship.

Meanwhile, Antony Blinken said that the 2+2 dialogue would be an opportunity to advance India-US relations. He noted that both countries have a robust partnership and are deliberating on matters with implications for the future.

"We are bolstering the partnership in international peace, security and specifically working to promote rules-based order, and uphold principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Our defence cooperation is a key pillar of that work," Blinken said.

The top US diplomat said, "We are promoting a free and open, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific, including by strengthening our partnership through the Quad with Japan and Australia".

He noted that the two nations were "deepening the remarkable ties between our people, which is really at the heart of everything" and stressed exploring new educational exchanges, travel between our countries and reducing Visa wait times.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted that defence is an important pillar of India-US bilateral ties. He said the India-US bilateral relationship has seen a "growing convergence of strategic interests and enhanced defence, security and intelligence cooperation."

"Defence remains one of the most important pillars of our bilateral relationship. Your visit to India is at a time when India and the US are closer than ever before," Singh said.

He added "In spite of various emerging geopolitical challenges, we need to keep our focus on important and long-term issues. Our partnership is critical for ensuring a free, open and rules-bound Indo-Pacific region".

Lloyd Austin, US Defence Secretary said, "We are meeting at a time of great momentum".

"In the face of urgent global challenges, it's more important than ever that the world's two largest democracies exchange views, find common goals, and deliver for our people. We've made impressive gains in building our major defence partnership over the past year, and that will help us contribute even more together to the cause of peace and stability," he stated.

The 2+2 dialogue is a key diplomatic initiative expected to carry out a comprehensive review of fast-expanding India-US strategic ties.