Mike Pompeo, Mark Esper arrive in New Delhi for India-US 2+2 dialogue | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Mike Pompeo, Mark Esper arrive in New Delhi for India-US 2+2 dialogue

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com | Edited by Amit Chaturvedi
Oct 26, 2020 02:54 PM IST

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and defence secretary Mark Esper arrived in New Delhi on Monday afternoon for the 2+2 dialogue. The talks will be held on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and defence secretary Mark Esper arrived in New Delhi on Monday afternoon for the 2+2 dialogue. The talks will be held on Tuesday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and his wife Susan disembark from an aircraft upon their arrival at the airport in New Delhi, India, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020.(AP photo)
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and his wife Susan disembark from an aircraft upon their arrival at the airport in New Delhi, India, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020.(AP photo)

The holding of the third US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue demonstrates the high-level commitment the two countries provide to shared diplomatic and security objectives, US State Department had said on Sunday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Before leaving for India, Pompeo had tweeted that he is grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners. “Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open #IndoPacific composed of independent, strong, and prosperous nations,” he said in the tweet.

Also read | Pompeo, Esper to push Trump’s anti-China message in India

Both the countries are set to review their strategic and security ties and discuss ways to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific during the third round of 2+2 dialogue.

The talks will focus on four themes - regional security cooperation, defence information sharing, military-to-military interactions, and defense trade, according to a US State Department statement last week.

Watch | ‘PM Modi and President Trump get along very well’: Nikki Haley

 

The first two 2+2 Ministerial dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and Washington DC in 2019.

During their two-day visit, Pompeo and Esper will hold bilateral talks with their Indian counterparts S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

Officials from both sides have pointed to the significance of Pompeo and Esper making an in-person visit at a time when most diplomatic meetings and interactions have moved online due to the pandemic, saying this reflects the importance attached to the relationship with India.

Ahead of the 2+2 dialogue, the US State Department said that it welcomes India’s emergence as a leading regional and global power. It also said the US is looking forward to work closely with India during the latter’s upcoming UNSC term, starting January 1, 2021.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, March 11, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On