2+2 dialogue between India and U.S.

Why in News?

Indian and US officials held a 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue recently.

A "2+2 dialogue" is a diplomatic format where the Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers from two countries meet to discuss common issues and strengthen their bilateral relationship.

• Priority discussions - Trade and investment, energy security, including streng­thening civil-nuclear cooperation, critical minerals exploration, counter-narcotics and counterterrorism cooperation.
• Both sides looked forward to increasing defense cooperation, including signing a new 10-year Framework for the India – US Major Defense Partnership.
• Both sides advancing defence industrial, science, and technology cooperation, operational coordination, regional cooperation and information-sharing.
• The officials agreed to build upon the progress under the India - US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology).
• They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region through the QUAD.

Quad brings together 4 countries - India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, with a commitment to work as a force for global good and to support an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific that is prosperous and resilient.

References

1. Business Standard | 2+2 dialogue between India and US
2. The Hindu | India-U.S. 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue