India – United States 2 + 2 Dialogue : Major Defence Agreement, Terrorism Top Agenda

Picture : Twitter

India and United States have decided to take their relationship of further cooperation to a next level. This was the mood at the first ever India and United States 2 + 2 Dialogue in New Delhi .

The India delegation was lead by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The American side comprised – The Secretary of State Michael  Pompeo and Defence Secretary James  Mattis.

During the can did talks the two sides signed a historic defence agreement. It will set- up hot lines between their respective defence and foreign ministers. The talks were held on various issues like – India buying S- 400 missiles from Russia and import of crude oil from Iran.

Other contentious issues that were on the table were – India’s possible future entry into the NSG, Nuclear Suppliers Group, cross border terrorism and H1 B visa issue and how to further strengthen relation in the Indo- pacific region.

While admitting their close military level ties , both sides have agreed upon on taking part in tri- services exercises.

Both India and America had a word of advise for Pakistan. In a joint statement both sides urged Pakistan to ensure  that their territory is not used to launch terror strikes at other countries.

America shared India’s concern that Pakistan continues to allow Mumbai attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed roam free despite the reward the US has placed on his head for his role in terror activities. And the presence of Mumbai 1993 blasts  mastermind Dawood Ibrahim residing in Pakistan .

During the 2+2 India, US dialogue, the two sides concluded that elimination of terrorism was crucial for global peace and stability.