Amid Escalating Tensions Over Trump Tariff, India and US Hold 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue

Senior officials of India and the US held discussions on Monday to enhance cooperation in areas like trade, investment, critical minerals, and energy security. The conversation also highlighted expanding cooperation in civil nuclear energy.

The discussion was held online under the '2+2 Intersessional Dialogue' mechanism. It was was organised at a time when bilateral ties have come under pressure because of the Trump administration's tariffs and trade actions.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both countries showed hope for deepening their defence cooperation. Plans include negotiation of a new 10-year action plan for the India-US Major Defence Partnership, as well as initiatives to enhance cooperation in defence industry, scientific research and technology.

"Participants agreed to build upon the progress made in these areas under the auspices of the India-US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century and beyond," the MEA said.

The chairs reaffirmed their commitment to realizing a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific within the Quad framework, the statement said.

"The dialogue concluded with the chairs expressing their appreciation for the productive meeting and eagerness to continue enhancing the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship in a manner that benefits the people of India and the US," the MEA said in a statement.

The virtual India-US 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue was co-chaired by Additional Secretary (Americas) at the Ministry of External Affairs, Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, and Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) at the Defence Ministry, Vishwesh Negi. From the United States, the session was co-chaired by Bethany P. Morrison, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P. Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.