(Image source from: theprint.in)

The issues regarding security and strategic issues were discussed by India and the US on Wednesday at the 2+2 dialogue that was held at Washington in the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

An industrial security agreement was signed between the two countries at the 2+2 dialogue meet which allows the transfer of defence technology.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were hosted by their American counterparts Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper for the highest level dialogue between the two nations.

“Throughout 2019 we’ve seen rapid growth in the US-India strategic partnership. As we aim to review our successes and take this vital relationship to the next level, I’m pleased today to be hosting @EsperDoD, @DrSJaishankar and @rajnathsingh for our 2nd annual Ministerial 2+2,” Pompeo said in a tweet.

Throughout 2019 we’ve seen rapid growth in the #USIndia strategic partnership. As we aim to review our successes and take this vital relationship to the next level, I'm pleased today to be hosting @EsperDoD, @DrSJaishankar, and @rajnathsingh for our 2nd annual Ministerial 2+2.

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 18, 2019

Esper said the US and India are working with each other in a fair and reciprocal trade deal, in a press conference by the four leaders. He aslso said that, the defence relationship between India and the US is strong and that it continues to improve.

“We have made substantial progress in the defence relationship,” Esper said.

Pompeo said that, the Industrial Security Annex was also signed by the two nations.

Singh said that a free, seamless and peaceful Indo-Pacific region is the common vision of both the US and India.

“Two countries talked about use of terrorism as statecraft,” he said.

“We are moving ahead to operationalize the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA),” he added.

Jaishankar mentioned that five ministerial dialogues were held in between the US and India in the recent months that reflects the bilateral intense engagement. He also mentioned of discussing about the counter-terrorism efforts that included the dangers of cross border terrorism. He added saying that, trade was discussed briefly which showed a very good progress.

“Counter-terrorism efforts also discussed during the meeting, including dangers of cross border terrorism,” he said.

“We had a brief discussion on trade, we noted a very good progress,” he said.

Separate meetings were held of Singh and Jaishankar with their counterparts earlier.

Singh was accorded with a 21 gun salute at the River Side entrance of the Pentagon when he had a maiden visit to the US as Defense Minister.

Issues related to strengthening the defence ties and the issues of mutual interests and concerns which included the Indo-Pacific region and the neighborhood were discussed by Singh and Esper.

Sign described the meeting with Esper as it being excellent and he mentioned reviewing the Defence cooperation between India and the US and said that extensive cooperation exists in strategic and military areas.

“Had an excellent meeting with the US Defence Secretary Mr Mark Esper in Washington today. During our liberal talks, we reviewed the full range of India-US Defence cooperation. India and the US are cooperating extensively in strategic and military areas,” Singh said after the meet with Esper.

The bilateral and regional issues were discussed by Jaishankar and Pompeo at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department which is situated across the Potomac river.

By Shrithika Kushangi