India and the US are ready to review their strategic and security ties and discuss ways to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific during their third 2 + 2 dialogue between defense and foreign ministers in New Delhi on Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper will arrive in the national capital on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit, during which they will also hold bilateral talks with their Indian counterparts, S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh, and will meet with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 2 + 2 ministerial dialogue, which will take place on Tuesday morning, is expected to focus on regional security cooperation, defense information sharing so that the two sides can address regional challenges more effectively. , global cooperation, including public health collaboration to tackle Covid -19, economic cooperation and joint work in the Indo-Pacific, the officials said.
“Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open #IndoPacific comprised of independent, strong and prosperous nations,” Pompeo tweeted on Sunday as he began a trip that will also take him to Sri Lanka. , Maldives and Indonesia.
The two parties are expected to sign the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), one of the four founding pacts to facilitate the exchange of classified data from satellites and sensors, during the 2 + 2 meeting.
Shortly after their arrival in the national capital on Monday afternoon, Pompeo and Esper will hold separate bilateral meetings with their Indian counterparts that will allow the two sides to review and evaluate bilateral cooperation in diplomacy and defense.
Officials on both sides have noted the importance of Pompeo and Esper conducting an in-person visit at a time when most diplomatic meetings and interactions have moved online due to the pandemic, and said this reflects the importance of bestows on the relationship with India.
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Holding the third 2 + 2 ministerial dialogue in just over two years “demonstrates a high-level commitment to our shared diplomatic and security goals,” the US State Department said in a statement.
The United States and India are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and the partnership’s growth “reflects a deepening strategic convergence on a variety of issues.” Pompeo and Esper’s visit will crown a series of high-profile engagements between the two sides this year, which began with President Donald Trump’s visit to India in February.
“India, with its large economy, strong support for entrepreneurship and innovation, and growing international trade, is one of the world’s leading economic powers and is well positioned to advance our shared vision of a free and based Indo-Pacific. in rules where all nations can prosper, “the statement said.
As outlined in the US national security strategy, Washington welcomes the emergence of New Delhi as a leading regional and global power, and looks forward to working closely during the country’s next term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. of the UN during 2021-22.
Also Read: US Welcomes India’s Rise As A Leading Regional And Global Power
The recent ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad in Tokyo, convened by Pompeo and his counterparts from India, Japan and Australia, “demonstrated the strong ties of cooperation among Indo-Pacific democracies interested in strengthening a rule-based order.” and the grouping has helped create resilient supply chains, counter misinformation and increase maritime security, he added.
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