The 2+2 ministerial meet is the highest-level of institutional mechanism in which the countries meet and provides review of the security, defence and strategic partnerships. Recently, India and the United States met for the second 2+2 meeting where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Extermal Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defense Dr Mark T Esper and Secretary of State Micheal R Pompeo in Washington DC, US on December 18, 2019.
Major Highlights of Second 2+2 Meet
- During this 2+2 meet, both the countries positively applauded the developing partnership between the countries. They also noted important milestones that have been achieved since the inaugural of first 2+2 in New Delhi in 2018.
- Both the countries also committed to deepen military-to-military cooperation including Central Command, Africa Command, Indian Navy and the US Navy Fleets under US Indo-Pacific Command between Armies and Air Forces.
- The ministers of both the countries committed to a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. They also reiterated their support for ASEAN centrality, rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes, freedom of navigation and overflight, and sustainable and transparent infrastructure investment. The ministers also reaffirmed that closer India-US cooperation is instrumental to promotional prosperity and security in the region and beyond.
- The Ministers welcomed the improved diplomatic consultation and coordination between India and the United States. In this context, the United States came forward to offer strong support for India’s permanent role in a reformed U.N Security Council and for India’s entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
- In view of the importance of greater regional and global collaboration to reduce risks from natural disasters, the ministers congratulated the United States on joining the recently created coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. They also appraised on-going technical support, including the National Disaster Response Force.
- The ministers also focused the importance of defense enabling agreements. The ministers called for the quick installation of secure communication capabilities between the Armed Forces, including the Armies and Air Forces. Both sides also decided to continue the discussion on the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement in 2020 to enable greater geospatial information-sharing.
- The delegations welcomed new initiatives to strengthen people-to-people ties including exchange programs for young innovators, the expansion of university research partnerships, increased judicial cooperation and a new bilateral science and technology assessment.
- Both the ministers condemn terrorism in all its forms. The ministers also called for action against terrorist networks including- Lashkar e-Tayyiba, Jaish E-Mohammad, Al-Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Hizb-ul Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, TTP and D-company. The Ministers called on Pakistan to take immediate, irreversible action to ensure no territory is used for terrorism against other countries in any manner.
- The Ministers also welcomed the recent growth in the number of Indian students in the United States to over 200,000. The Ministers expressed intent for established of a bilateral India-U.S. The Young Innovators Initiate will support internship opportunities for emerging young leaders in key areas of economic and scientific endeavor.
After the 2+2 Meet, EAM Jaishankar along with Rajanth Singh, called on President of the United States Donald J Trump at the Oval Office. Both the ministers were also accompanied by US National Security Adviser Ambassador Robert O’Brian. The United States also wishes to join India for the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in celebrating his life and message.
India looks forward to hosting the next 2+2 Ministerial in 2020. Both the sides looked forward to the next meeting and agreed to continue close cooperation on the range of activities and initiative underway.