India-US 2+2 talk to give trade issues a miss; defence, policy on agenda

Beginning September 6, the new format of the talks will focus on foreign affairs and defence issues

The US and India will give a wide berth to trade in the 2+2 dialogue beginning on Thursday, and instead focus on defence and foreign affairs. The issues around trade gaps between the two countries will be addressed separately. The inaugural edition in New Delhi will have US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis meeting Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refused to include some trade issues in the talks. “Both nations have decided to keep trade issues separate, and plan to discuss them