India, US hold 2+2 dialogue on trade, defence after tariff tensions

Indian and US officials held a 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue on Monday where they advanced bilateral initiatives, discussed regional security developments, and exchanged perspectives on a number of shared strategic priorities, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday evening.  The MEA said the officials discussed trade and investment, energy security, including streng­thening civil-nuclear cooperation; critical minerals exploration, counter-narcotics and counterterrorism cooperation, and more.

 

The dialogue marks the first official bilateral communication that the MEA and the US Department of State have admitted to between the two countries after weeks of tensions over the White House announcing additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, which kick in from Wednesday. 

Both sides looked forward to increasing defense cooperation, including signing a new ten-year Framework for the India – US Major Defense Partnership, as well as advancing defence industrial, science, and technology cooperation; operational coordination; regional cooperation; and information-sharing, the MEA said. 

The officials agreed to build upon the progress made in these areas under the auspices of the India - US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century and beyond. 

They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region through the Quad, the MEA said. 

The dialogue concluded with the chairs expressing their appreciation for the productive meeting and eagerness to continue enhancing the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship in a manner that benefits the people of India and the United States. 

From the Indian side Additional Secretary (Americas) in the MEA Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur and Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Vishwesh Negi co-chaired the virtual dialogue alongside US Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Bethany P. Morrison and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal.