TIL Desk/World/Washington/ The Trump administration has termed the upcoming 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi next week “a major opportunity” to enhance the US’ engagement with India on critical diplomatic and security priorities. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis are travelling to New Delhi for the first ever India-US two-plus-two dialogue being hosted by their Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
“The 2+2 is a major opportunity to enhance our engagement with India on critical diplomatic and security priorities,” a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call yesterday. Pompeo’s travel in tandem with Mattis is a strong indication of the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India, and that of India’s emergence as an important security provider in the region, the official said.
“India’s central role in our National Security Strategy is enshrined in the President’s National Security Strategy as well as the administration’s South Asia and Indo-Pacific strategies. So that’s my first message, that the relationship with India is a key US priority and integral to our national security,” the official said. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official added that the two countries have a very ambitious agenda for the 2+2, including advancing their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific.
