India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue: Here Are The Key Highlights Of Joint Statement

India and the United States on Friday (10 November) held the fifth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.

Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar held the annual meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Here are the key highlights of the India-US joint statement on the ministerial meeting:

Strengthening Global Strategic Partnership

The Ministers noted substantial progress in transforming U.S.-India relations, building upon the recent visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joseph Biden. They reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-India partnership in ensuring international peace and security and underlined their commitment to safeguarding a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, leveraging mechanisms like the Quad.

Commitment to Democracy and Human Rights

The United States and India, as natural and trusted partners, reaffirmed their resolve to promote a resilient, rules-based international order, respecting international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They emphasized their shared commitment to advancing democracy, human rights, and pluralism.

Addressing Global and Regional Security Concerns

The Ministers discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Ukraine, expressing deep concern over the war in Ukraine and its global economic and humanitarian impacts. They pledged continued humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and emphasized the need for post-conflict reconstruction.

Counter-terrorism and Defense Cooperation

The Ministers condemned terrorism in all forms and reiterated their commitment to counter-terrorism efforts. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepen defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, defense industrial cooperation, and collaboration in emerging domains like space and artificial intelligence.

Economic and Technological Collaboration

The dialogue celebrated the growing trade and technological partnership, with significant U.S. investments in India's semiconductor sector. The Ministers looked forward to further collaboration in emerging technologies and noted the potential crossing of $200 billion in bilateral trade in 2023.

Health, Education, and People-to-People Ties

The dialogue covered health cooperation, including pandemic preparedness, and acknowledged the importance of educational and research partnerships. The strengthening of people-to-people ties, including the adjudication of certain work visas for Indian nationals, was also discussed.

Multilateral Diplomacy and Future Engagements

The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Indo-Pacific region and the Quad's role in global diplomacy. They looked forward to India hosting the next Quad Summit in 2024 and discussed India's role in the G20 Summit. The United States reiterated its support for India's permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.