US and India hold 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue, eye new 10-year defense framework

Senior US and Indian officials met virtually on Monday (August 25) for the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue, where they advanced key bilateral initiatives and discussed regional and global security issues, the US State Department said in a statement.The talks were co-chaired by Bethany P. Morrison, Senior Bureau Official for South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P. Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, alongside Indian counterparts Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Defense.

Through this dialogue, officials advanced bilateral initiatives, discussed regional security developments, and exchanged perspectives on shared strategic priorities. Talks covered trade and investment; energy security, including strengthening civil-nuclear cooperation; critical minerals exploration; and counternarcotics and counterterrorism cooperation.

Both sides looked forward to signing a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership and agreed to enhance defense industrial, science and technology cooperation, operational coordination, and regional information-sharing.The dialogue reaffirmed commitments under the US-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) and through the Quad grouping, with officials pledging to strengthen defense industrial, science and technology, and operational cooperation.

The dialogue concluded with officials expressing 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 both countries.

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