In a strong message, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ties-with-japan-key-component-of-indias-vision-for-stability-in-indo-pacific-pm-modi-265476">India and Japan</a> have called Pakistan to act against terror groups operating out of territory under its control and comply with the commitments it has made to the anti-terror financing body Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The joint statement issued after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-reflects-synergy-between-indias-act-east-policy-and-japans-vision-for-free-open-indo-pacific-jaishankar-265460">India, Japan maiden 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting</a> said, "The Ministers underlined the need for all countries to ensure that all territory under their control is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries in any manner."

"They noted in this context the threat posed to regional security by terrorist networks operating out of Pakistan and called upon it to take resolute and irreversible action against them and fully comply with international commitments including to FATF," the statement added. &nbsp;

Pakistan had given commitments to the FATF but has failed to live up to them and has received a rap from the Paris-based body. Islamabad faces a probable blacklisting and has time till February when the plenary meets next.&nbsp;

Other than Pakistan, North Korea and the South China Sea was also discussed during the meet at Delhi's Hyderabad house.&nbsp;

Both sides urged a call on North Korea for "complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction" and urged Pyongyang to "resolve the abductions issue at the earliest date". North Korea is known to have abducted many Japanese citizens, Tokyo has nudged the country to release them soon.

On the South China Sea, both the sides called on the 'Code of Conduct' to be negotiated and not to "prejudice the rights and interests of the stakeholders using the South China Sea and freedoms of all states under international law". The nations also reiterated the need for a "free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured".

Both sides made "significant progress" on Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) negotiations and expressed a "desire for an early conclusion". ACSA is a logistics agreement. Its negotiations started last year, expected to be signed during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India in December.&nbsp;

The Japanese side will be sending a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) - in Gurgaon and both the countries have agreed for the first India-Japan joint fighter aircraft exercise to take place in Japan. 
&nbsp;

In a strong message, India and Japan have called Pakistan to act against terror groups operating out of territory under its control and comply with the commitments it has made to the anti-terror financing body Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

In a strong message, India and Japan have called Pakistan to act against terror groups operating out of territory under its control and comply with the commitments it has made to the anti-terror financing body Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The joint statement issued after India, Japan maiden 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting said, "The Ministers underlined the need for all countries to ensure that all territory under their control is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries in any manner." "They noted in this context the threat posed to regional security by terrorist networks operating out of Pakistan and called upon it to take resolute and irreversible action against them and fully comply with international commitments including to FATF," the statement added. Pakistan had given commitments to the FATF but has failed to live up to them and has received a rap from the Paris-based body. Islamabad faces a probable blacklisting and has time till February when the plenary meets next. Other than Pakistan, North Korea and the South China Sea was also discussed during the meet at Delhi's Hyderabad house. Both sides urged a call on North Korea for "complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction" and urged Pyongyang to "resolve the abductions issue at the earliest date". North Korea is known to have abducted many Japanese citizens, Tokyo has nudged the country to release them soon. On the South China Sea, both the sides called on the 'Code of Conduct' to be negotiated and not to "prejudice the rights and interests of the stakeholders using the South China Sea and freedoms of all states under international law". The nations also reiterated the need for a "free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured". Both sides made "significant progress" on Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) negotiations and expressed a "desire for an early conclusion". ACSA is a logistics agreement. Its negotiations started last year, expected to be signed during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India in December. The Japanese side will be sending a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) - in Gurgaon and both the countries have agreed for the first India-Japan joint fighter aircraft exercise to take place in Japan.

India, Japan ask Pakistan to take irreversible action on terror; fulfil FATF commitments

First-ever 2+2 dialogue of India & Japan held in New Delhi today. Both sides raise the issue of national securities from terror in the world. Both sides agreed that Pakistan based terror network is a threat to the region. Watch this video to find out more in details.

First-ever 2+2 dialogue of India & Japan held in New Delhi today

The inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-japan-to-hold-maiden-22-dialogue-on-november-30-262908">Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2)</a> will be held today. Both the countries are expected to discuss defence and security, among other mutual issues.

The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be leading the Indian delegation while the Japanese delegation will be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono. 
 
"The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'," the MEA statement added.

The Japanese delegation will also meet PM Modi.

India and Japan will also trade views on the contemporary situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the respective efforts made by both sides under India's ''Act East Policy'' and Japan's ''Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision'' to achieve the shared goal of peace, prosperity, and progress.

The inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) will be held today. Both the countries are expected to discuss defence and security, among other mutual issues.

The inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) will be held today. Both the countries are expected to discuss defence and security, among other mutual issues. The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be leading the Indian delegation while the Japanese delegation will be led by Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono. "The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'," the MEA statement added. The Japanese delegation will also meet PM Modi. India and Japan will also trade views on the contemporary situation in the Indo-Pacific region and the respective efforts made by both sides under India's ''Act East Policy'' and Japan's ''Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision'' to achieve the shared goal of peace, prosperity, and progress.

India-Japan to hold 2+2 ministerial dialogue in New Delhi today

The 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and Japan symbolises the deep level of mutual trust and understanding between the two countries and reflects the synergy between New Delhi's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free and open Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

Jaishankar made these remarks at the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) being held in New Delhi.

The meeting saw the participation of the Japanese Delegation led by country Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono.

Jaishankar said that the fact that Japan is the only country with which India has an annual summit mechanism and a 2+2 ministerial dialogue underscores the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with Tokyo.

Speaking in turn, Motegi said that the 2+2 ministerial dialogue between the two countries is symbolic of India's increasing importance in the Indo-Pacific and such meetings will contribute to Indo-Pacific's increasing safety and stability.

The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'.

The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their respective efforts under India's 'Act East Policy'&nbsp;and Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision'&nbsp;for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity and progress to realise a better future for the people of the two countries and the region.

The dialogue has come ahead of the summit-level meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe later in the year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and Japan symbolises the deep level of mutual trust and understanding between the two countries and reflects the synergy between New Delhi's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free and open Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

The 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and Japan symbolises the deep level of mutual trust and understanding between the two countries and reflects the synergy between New Delhi's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free and open Indo-Pacific, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday. Jaishankar made these remarks at the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2) being held in New Delhi. The meeting saw the participation of the Japanese Delegation led by country Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono. Jaishankar said that the fact that Japan is the only country with which India has an annual summit mechanism and a 2+2 ministerial dialogue underscores the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with Tokyo. Speaking in turn, Motegi said that the 2+2 ministerial dialogue between the two countries is symbolic of India's increasing importance in the Indo-Pacific and such meetings will contribute to Indo-Pacific's increasing safety and stability. The meeting is being held in pursuance of the decision taken by Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018, with an aim to institute a Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue for further deepening bilateral security and defence cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The 2+2 meeting would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the status of and exchange further views on strengthening defence and security cooperation between India and Japan so as to provide greater depth to the 'India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership'. The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their respective efforts under India's 'Act East Policy' and Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision' for achieving their shared objective of peace, prosperity and progress to realise a better future for the people of the two countries and the region. The dialogue has come ahead of the summit-level meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe later in the year.

2+2 dialogue reflects synergy between India's Act East Policy and Japan's vision for free, open Indo-Pacific: Jaishankar

The first India-Japan foreign and defence minister 2+2 dialogue will take place in Delhi on November 30.&nbsp;

The 2+2 dialogue comes weeks before Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's upcoming India visit. He is slated to visit in mid-December for the annual India-Japan summit which will be the 14th one in the series.&nbsp;

Defence minister Rajnath Singh had met Japanese Defence minister on Sunday in Thailand on the sidelines of the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).

A release from the defence ministry on the meet said, "Both of them will meet again in New Delhi for the 2+2 meeting scheduled later this month. Both the leaders had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation."&nbsp;

India and Japan have been increasing engagement, especially when it comes to the growing Indo Pacific concept.&nbsp;

PM Modi has met Japanese PM Abe 2 times this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit and then in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

The first India-Japan foreign and defence minister 2+2 dialogue will take place in Delhi on November 30. The 2+2 dialogue comes weeks before Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's upcoming India visit.

The first India-Japan foreign and defence minister 2+2 dialogue will take place in Delhi on November 30. The 2+2 dialogue comes weeks before Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's upcoming India visit. He is slated to visit in mid-December for the annual India-Japan summit which will be the 14th one in the series. Defence minister Rajnath Singh had met Japanese Defence minister on Sunday in Thailand on the sidelines of the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). A release from the defence ministry on the meet said, "Both of them will meet again in New Delhi for the 2+2 meeting scheduled later this month. Both the leaders had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation." India and Japan have been increasing engagement, especially when it comes to the growing Indo Pacific concept. PM Modi has met Japanese PM Abe 2 times this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit and then in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

India-Japan to hold maiden 2+2 dialogue on November 30

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as&nbsp;US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue&nbsp;concluded in&nbsp;Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

A release from the Ministry of External Affairs said, ''Both sides discussed regional developments, and agreed to pursue their quest for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

They also reviewed the progress and development of bilateral relations in cross-cutting defence, security, and foreign policy areas.

The meeting took place at&nbsp;Naval Postgraduate School with the participation of&nbsp;Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs and V Anandarajan, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence from Indian side while from the US side Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.&nbsp;

The inaugural 2+2 India-US dialogue took place in September 2018, in Delhi and the next meet is expected to take place next month in the United States.

2+2 is the highest forum of annual India-US engagement and has been developed in the background of growing engagement between Delhi and Washington.&nbsp;

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue concluded in Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific.

The meeting between officials of foreign and defence ministry also known as US-India 2+2 Intersessional and Maritime Security Dialogue concluded in Monterey, California with focus on Indo-Pacific. A release from the Ministry of External Affairs said, ''Both sides discussed regional developments, and agreed to pursue their quest for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific." They also reviewed the progress and development of bilateral relations in cross-cutting defence, security, and foreign policy areas. The meeting took place at Naval Postgraduate School with the participation of Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs and V Anandarajan, Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence from Indian side while from the US side Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. The inaugural 2+2 India-US dialogue took place in September 2018, in Delhi and the next meet is expected to take place next month in the United States. 2+2 is the highest forum of annual India-US engagement and has been developed in the background of growing engagement between Delhi and Washington.

Regional developments discussed during India-US 2+2 meeting: Ministry of External Affairs

As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea.

Speaking at the US-Japan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-meeting-india-us-discuss-indo-pacific-afghanistan-peace-reconciliation-189807">2+2 dialogue</a> in Washington, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/still-in-charge-of-north-korea-negotiations-pompeo-211898">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> said, "The United States and Japan will continue to advance trilateral and multilateral cooperation with other regional partners, notably with the Republic of Korea, Australia, India, and Southeast Asian countries."

The US-Japan 2+2 dialogue includes&nbsp;US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

The focus of the statements was to increase engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

While Japanese Defence minister Iwaya said his country will "make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific", Japanese foreign minister said, "will make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific". Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said the 2+2 dialogue is a "testament to our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

India, Japan, Australia, the US have been engaging in dialogues over the Indo-Pacific region. The US last year changed the name of its largest naval commands - the Pacific command - to the Indo-Pacific Command to give a boost to the growing concept while India has set up a separate Indo-Pacific desk in the Ministry of External Affairs. Washington, along with Canberra has announced a number of infrastructure projects in the region.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India's vision for Indo-Pacific at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore last year said, for New Delhi, the concept stands for "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality".

ASEAN, the IORA groupings are currently discussing the concept.

As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea.

As part of a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region, the US and Japan have agreed to grow ties with India, along with countries like Australia and South Korea. Speaking at the US-Japan 2+2 dialogue in Washington, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "The United States and Japan will continue to advance trilateral and multilateral cooperation with other regional partners, notably with the Republic of Korea, Australia, India, and Southeast Asian countries." The US-Japan 2+2 dialogue includes US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The focus of the statements was to increase engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. While Japanese Defence minister Iwaya said his country will "make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific", Japanese foreign minister said, "will make efforts to realize free and open Indo-Pacific". Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said the 2+2 dialogue is a "testament to our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific." India, Japan, Australia, the US have been engaging in dialogues over the Indo-Pacific region. The US last year changed the name of its largest naval commands - the Pacific command - to the Indo-Pacific Command to give a boost to the growing concept while India has set up a separate Indo-Pacific desk in the Ministry of External Affairs. Washington, along with Canberra has announced a number of infrastructure projects in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India's vision for Indo-Pacific at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore last year said, for New Delhi, the concept stands for "Inclusiveness, openness and ASEAN centrality". ASEAN, the IORA groupings are currently discussing the concept.

In 2+2 dialogue, US-Japan discuss enhancing ties with India

Early implementation of a secure communication line between Minister of External Affairs (MEA), India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence, India and Secretary of Defence was the main focus of recent phone conversation between the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting United States Secretary of Defence Patrick M. Shanahan.

Speaking to WION exclusively, Pentagon Spokesman US Army Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn said, "Both sides are reviewing the technical specifications for establishing the two secure communication lines and look forward to early implementation."

"At the inaugural US-India Ministerial 2+2 in New Delhi on September 6, the two sides agreed to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence of India and the US Secretary of Defense," he added.

During the 2+2 dialogue, India and US signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) which will help New Delhi get access to advanced US defence systems and enable it to utilise its existing US-origin platforms. Last year, Washington also granted New Delhi Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status which will give India access to high-end US technology for defence purposes. India is the third Asian country after Japan and South Korea to get the STA-1 Status.

During PM Modi's US visit in June of 2016, the US recognised India as a "major defence partner" which commits Washington to facilitate technology sharing with India. Under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), both New Delhi and Washington are also exploring the possibilities of co-development and co-production.

In December of 2018, Nirmala Sitharaman was on a 5-day US visit during which she met with the then US Secretary of Defence James N Mattis and visited the headquarters of the INDO-US Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) in Honolulu, Hawaii. She also visited Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam and boarded a US Guided Missile Destroyer.

US Pacific Command (PACOM), which is the largest US command, was renamed as INDO-PACOM as part of Indo Pacific concept which is being supported by both the countries.&nbsp;

Early implementation of a secure communication line between Minister of External Affairs (MEA), India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence, India and Secretary of Defence was the main focus of recent phone conversation between the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting United States Secretary of Defence Patrick M.

Early implementation of a secure communication line between Minister of External Affairs (MEA), India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence, India and Secretary of Defence was the main focus of recent phone conversation between the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting United States Secretary of Defence Patrick M. Shanahan. Speaking to WION exclusively, Pentagon Spokesman US Army Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn said, "Both sides are reviewing the technical specifications for establishing the two secure communication lines and look forward to early implementation." "At the inaugural US-India Ministerial 2+2 in New Delhi on September 6, the two sides agreed to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence of India and the US Secretary of Defense," he added. During the 2+2 dialogue, India and US signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) which will help New Delhi get access to advanced US defence systems and enable it to utilise its existing US-origin platforms. Last year, Washington also granted New Delhi Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status which will give India access to high-end US technology for defence purposes. India is the third Asian country after Japan and South Korea to get the STA-1 Status. During PM Modi's US visit in June of 2016, the US recognised India as a "major defence partner" which commits Washington to facilitate technology sharing with India. Under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), both New Delhi and Washington are also exploring the possibilities of co-development and co-production. In December of 2018, Nirmala Sitharaman was on a 5-day US visit during which she met with the then US Secretary of Defence James N Mattis and visited the headquarters of the INDO-US Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) in Honolulu, Hawaii. She also visited Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam and boarded a US Guided Missile Destroyer. US Pacific Command (PACOM), which is the largest US command, was renamed as INDO-PACOM as part of Indo Pacific concept which is being supported by both the countries.

Looking forward to secure communication line: US on Sitharaman-Shanahan talks

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting Defence Secretary of the United States Patrick M Shanahan has discussed bilateral ties between the two countries in a telephonic conversation, said Defence sources. According to the Defence sources, the discussion between the two leaders took place a couple of days ago.

Shanahan, who was earlier holding the office of the Deputy Secretary of Defence, took charge as Acting US Secretary of Defence from January 1.

Recently in the second week of January, a 2+2 Inter-Sessional meeting was held between the US and India, focusing on the progress of defence and foreign policy issues between the two countries.

The Indian delegation was led jointly by Joint Secretary (AMS) from the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das, and Joint Secretary (PIC) from the Ministry of Defence, Shambhu S Kumaran.

The US delegation was led jointly by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defence Randall Schriver.

The Inter-Sessional meeting was set up to follow up on the decisions taken during the India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue, the first round of which was held in New Delhi in September 2018, and to make continued progress on bilateral cooperation on cross-cutting defence and foreign policy issues of interest to both sides.

Both India and the US also exchanged views on regional developments as partners and stakeholders for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting Defence Secretary of the United States Patrick M Shanahan has discussed bilateral ties between the two countries in a telephonic conversation, said Defence sources.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting Defence Secretary of the United States Patrick M Shanahan has discussed bilateral ties between the two countries in a telephonic conversation, said Defence sources. According to the Defence sources, the discussion between the two leaders took place a couple of days ago. Shanahan, who was earlier holding the office of the Deputy Secretary of Defence, took charge as Acting US Secretary of Defence from January 1. Recently in the second week of January, a 2+2 Inter-Sessional meeting was held between the US and India, focusing on the progress of defence and foreign policy issues between the two countries. The Indian delegation was led jointly by Joint Secretary (AMS) from the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das, and Joint Secretary (PIC) from the Ministry of Defence, Shambhu S Kumaran. The US delegation was led jointly by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defence Randall Schriver. The Inter-Sessional meeting was set up to follow up on the decisions taken during the India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue, the first round of which was held in New Delhi in September 2018, and to make continued progress on bilateral cooperation on cross-cutting defence and foreign policy issues of interest to both sides. Both India and the US also exchanged views on regional developments as partners and stakeholders for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Sitharaman, US Acting Defence Minister discuss bilateral ties over phone: Report

The United States and India in Delhi on Friday held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to discuss over the diplomatic stance on the Indo-Pacific region as well as stabilizing peace in Afghanistan.

According to a press statement released by the US Embassy, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver met with Indian Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Shambhu Kumaran for an inter-sessional 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between US and India.

"The two sides discussed our strong strategic partnership and ways to advance our cooperation on critical diplomatic and security priorities, including our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and a stable and prosperous Afghanistan," the statement read.

The first round of the meeting on the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018 and focussed on the need for upholding peaceful resolution of territorial maritime disputes, promoting market-based economics, supporting good governance, fundamental rights, and liberties, and preventing external economic coercion.

The Dialogue was held between US Secretary of State Micheal Pompeo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The 2+2 Dialogue between India and the US was launched as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts, the US Embassy said in its statement.&nbsp;

The United States and India in Delhi on Friday held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to discuss over the diplomatic stance on the Indo-Pacific region as well as stabilizing peace in Afghanistan.

The United States and India in Delhi on Friday held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to discuss over the diplomatic stance on the Indo-Pacific region as well as stabilizing peace in Afghanistan. According to a press statement released by the US Embassy, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells and Assistant Secretary of Defense Randall Schriver met with Indian Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Shambhu Kumaran for an inter-sessional 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between US and India. "The two sides discussed our strong strategic partnership and ways to advance our cooperation on critical diplomatic and security priorities, including our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and a stable and prosperous Afghanistan," the statement read. The first round of the meeting on the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018 and focussed on the need for upholding peaceful resolution of territorial maritime disputes, promoting market-based economics, supporting good governance, fundamental rights, and liberties, and preventing external economic coercion. The Dialogue was held between US Secretary of State Micheal Pompeo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The 2+2 Dialogue between India and the US was launched as a reflection of the shared commitment by Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and to promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts, the US Embassy said in its statement.

2+2 meeting: India, US discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan peace reconciliation

Trust the retired general of the US Marines to be statesmanesque. James Mattis told an Indian audience in the presence of Indian minister for external affairs (MEA), Ms Sushma Swaraj and the defence minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, “India and the US are co-equal democracies.” For two nations that were categorised in a book title by a former American diplomat, Dennis Kux, as ‘Estranged Democracy,’ this was some path to traverse.

The 2+2 format of meetings between the two countries’ was decided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald J Trump in June, 2017. But the occasion of the meetings showed that the Indo-US relationship has gone beyond the vagaries of a Trump White House and installed itself into the processes of State and Defence, even at the policymaking level. And that is reassuring.&nbsp;

For too long had the bilateral relationships of the country been hostage to ideology; and in the post-Cold War phase – realpolitik. The primary votary of the USA’s Cold War ally, Pakistan, had been the Pentagon that had only looked at India’s neighbour for being in a geostrategic location. The US Department of Defence virtually made the triangular matrix of these tangled relationships into a zero-sum game of two binaries. On the other hand, ever since the demise of the Soviet Union, Indian foreign and security policymakers were trying to get Washington’s attention, shorn of any baggage. India emerged on the radar as more than a blip when the rise of China became apparent. So, if George W Bush administration had assumed office with a plan to develop New Delhi as a regional hedge to Beijing’s break-out, they did not anticipate the enormity of 9/11.

Yet, as is history now, Bush II administration could look at Indian priorities substantively only after the US government could get a handle in Afghanistan. Thus was born the civil nuclear agreement. That was the first time India was brought out of the box the Americans Establishment had put it in. Now, as the Indian economy becomes the fastest growing economy of the world, and the US is emerging out of what they call a ‘Great Recession,’ the motivation for US business is the modernisation process the country is undergoing. One of the key drivers of the opportunities American commerce is looking at now is the Indian defence modernisation programme – its very own Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), really. India is variously expected to spend $ 200 billion annually for about 10 years on this ‘transformation’. That is just too big a pie the world’s biggest war materiel manufacturing nation can ignore.&nbsp;

For now, the hotline that is to be placed in MEA HQ in South Block connecting it with US State Department, or the defence ministry residing in the same sprawling architectural marvel on Delhi’s Raisina Hill, having another such connection with Mattis’ office, will soon start crackling. But is it late for Washington for making this outreach? The regional line-up where Thucydides’ have taken a pause – India, China, with Russia seems to hold the promise of a new, rules-based international order that would provide a larger tent for the world’s developing nations.

A two trillion USD economy can find it more advantageous to join up with a five trillion USD GDP nation than some other country with 18.5 trillion USD behemoth. The sheer market opportunity with another nation of middle-income range is a matter of pent-up, unmet demand than the advanced, fully formed economy, with a consumptive culture at the end of an enormous supply chain.

In that light the outcome of the current trade war is important. While India holds off from pledging its bets to China or the US definitively, it is calculating the comparative gains not just in economic terms. The country, pitching for a larger portfolio, is also computing whether the competitive edge between those two countries can afford it the advancement its own agenda.

Under those circumstances, Mattis’ announcement about India being made a part of discussions of the US Central Command is a master-stroke. But that is again balanced off by India and Pakistan exercising militarily together, for the first time in their conjoined histories within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) rubric, under the watchful eye of China, is a potential big deal.

New Delhi will have to be careful not just about how to deploy its geopolitical pieces but also its timing. Already, the US MNCs based in China have started complaining that Trump tariff hikes are affecting their bottom-line. And they may have to look outwards of the Pearl River delta.

If they come ashore in India, should New Delhi be welcoming or think these are the other bargaining chips in its vast expanding bag of tricks, is still in the realm of imagination. We know there are no permanent enemies or friends. Let Beijing and Washington decide what each of them wishes to do? PM Modi has more hugs to dole out. His policy planners were faster in taking Henry Kissinger’s advice of a ‘philosophical engagement with China’ than Trump’s team. Wuhan summit between Modi and Xi Jinping is barely fixing the cobblestones of a completely new path between the two countries. After all, both are civilizational-nations. They take life slow and easy. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-has-washington-s-attention-but-will-china-stay-quiet-2673934">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Trust the retired general of the US Marines to be statesmanesque. James Mattis told an Indian audience in the presence of Indian minister for external affairs (MEA), Ms Sushma Swaraj and the defence minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, “India and the US are co-equal democracies.

Trust the retired general of the US Marines to be statesmanesque. James Mattis told an Indian audience in the presence of Indian minister for external affairs (MEA), Ms Sushma Swaraj and the defence minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, “India and the US are co-equal democracies.” For two nations that were categorised in a book title by a former American diplomat, Dennis Kux, as ‘Estranged Democracy,’ this was some path to traverse. The 2+2 format of meetings between the two countries’ was decided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald J Trump in June, 2017. But the occasion of the meetings showed that the Indo-US relationship has gone beyond the vagaries of a Trump White House and installed itself into the processes of State and Defence, even at the policymaking level. And that is reassuring. For too long had the bilateral relationships of the country been hostage to ideology; and in the post-Cold War phase – realpolitik. The primary votary of the USA’s Cold War ally, Pakistan, had been the Pentagon that had only looked at India’s neighbour for being in a geostrategic location. The US Department of Defence virtually made the triangular matrix of these tangled relationships into a zero-sum game of two binaries. On the other hand, ever since the demise of the Soviet Union, Indian foreign and security policymakers were trying to get Washington’s attention, shorn of any baggage. India emerged on the radar as more than a blip when the rise of China became apparent. So, if George W Bush administration had assumed office with a plan to develop New Delhi as a regional hedge to Beijing’s break-out, they did not anticipate the enormity of 9/11. Yet, as is history now, Bush II administration could look at Indian priorities substantively only after the US government could get a handle in Afghanistan. Thus was born the civil nuclear agreement. That was the first time India was brought out of the box the Americans Establishment had put it in. Now, as the Indian economy becomes the fastest growing economy of the world, and the US is emerging out of what they call a ‘Great Recession,’ the motivation for US business is the modernisation process the country is undergoing. One of the key drivers of the opportunities American commerce is looking at now is the Indian defence modernisation programme – its very own Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA), really. India is variously expected to spend $ 200 billion annually for about 10 years on this ‘transformation’. That is just too big a pie the world’s biggest war materiel manufacturing nation can ignore. For now, the hotline that is to be placed in MEA HQ in South Block connecting it with US State Department, or the defence ministry residing in the same sprawling architectural marvel on Delhi’s Raisina Hill, having another such connection with Mattis’ office, will soon start crackling. But is it late for Washington for making this outreach? The regional line-up where Thucydides’ have taken a pause – India, China, with Russia seems to hold the promise of a new, rules-based international order that would provide a larger tent for the world’s developing nations. A two trillion USD economy can find it more advantageous to join up with a five trillion USD GDP nation than some other country with 18.5 trillion USD behemoth. The sheer market opportunity with another nation of middle-income range is a matter of pent-up, unmet demand than the advanced, fully formed economy, with a consumptive culture at the end of an enormous supply chain. In that light the outcome of the current trade war is important. While India holds off from pledging its bets to China or the US definitively, it is calculating the comparative gains not just in economic terms. The country, pitching for a larger portfolio, is also computing whether the competitive edge between those two countries can afford it the advancement its own agenda. Under those circumstances, Mattis’ announcement about India being made a part of discussions of the US Central Command is a master-stroke. But that is again balanced off by India and Pakistan exercising militarily together, for the first time in their conjoined histories within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) rubric, under the watchful eye of China, is a potential big deal. New Delhi will have to be careful not just about how to deploy its geopolitical pieces but also its timing. Already, the US MNCs based in China have started complaining that Trump tariff hikes are affecting their bottom-line. And they may have to look outwards of the Pearl River delta. If they come ashore in India, should New Delhi be welcoming or think these are the other bargaining chips in its vast expanding bag of tricks, is still in the realm of imagination. We know there are no permanent enemies or friends. Let Beijing and Washington decide what each of them wishes to do? PM Modi has more hugs to dole out. His policy planners were faster in taking Henry Kissinger’s advice of a ‘philosophical engagement with China’ than Trump’s team. Wuhan summit between Modi and Xi Jinping is barely fixing the cobblestones of a completely new path between the two countries. After all, both are civilizational-nations. They take life slow and easy. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India has Washington’s attention but will China stay quiet?

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