Second 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial dialogue was held in Washington. The first 2+2 was held in New Delhi September last year after the mechanism was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.
What are Indo-US 2+2 dialogues?
The 2+2 dialogue is the highest-level(Ministerial) institutional mechanism between India and the USA that brings together the perspectives of the two countries on foreign policy, defence and strategic issues.
- India also holds such dialogue with Japan as well
- India also holds 2+2 dialogue with Australia at the foreign secretary and defence secretary level
Key highlights of second 2+2 dialogue
- During this meet, both India and the US have agreed to deepen their bilateral cooperation in areas of defence, counter-terrorism and trade, and to work with like-minded countries for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
- At the dialogue, both sides also committed to further deepen military-to-military cooperation, including between the Indian Navy and the US Navy Fleets under US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, and Africa Command and intend to expand similar cooperation between their respective Armies and Air Forces.
- The two sides concluded the Industrial Security Annex during the visit.
- Priority initiatives have been identified for execution under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) programme.
- The Ministers committed to a common vision for the India-U.S. Major Defense Partnership (MDP) that recognizes their countries’ shared desire to build a comprehensive, enduring, and mutually-beneficial defence partnership and to expand all aspects of their security and defence cooperation.
- The two sides also applauded the establishment of the new tri-service, amphibious exercise – TIGER TRIUMPH – as a tangible demonstration of the growing scope and complexity of military cooperation. The Ministers decided to hold TIGER TRIUMPH annually, in formats to be decided mutually
- The USA welcomed India’s invitation to join the 2020 MILAN multilateral naval exercise and plans to participate.
- They also decided to continue the discussion on the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020 to enable greater geospatial information-sharing.
- The Ministers noted their intent to explore collaboration on testing and certification in defence and aerospace sectors and establishment of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India.
Industrial Security Annex
- The Industrial Security Annex (ISA), signed between India and the U.S. at the second 2+2 dialogue in Washington, will open the door for U.S. defence companies to partner with the Indian private sector for several multi-billion dollar deals in the pipeline, especially the deal for 114 fighter jets.
- It will enable the release of more advanced technology and information to India and help make it part of the global supply chain in the defence sector
