India-US 2 plus 2 dialogue underway in New Delhi

The first ever India-US two plus two dialogue is underway in New Delhi.  External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are holding the dialogue with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Defence Secretary James Mattis. 

Issues like enhancing trade, ways to counter terrorism and India's concerns over the Trump administration's decision to make changes to the H1B visa programme are expected to figure in the dialogue. 

US sanctions on the import of Iranian crude oil and boosting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region will also be the focus of the talks.

Earlier, Mrs Swaraj met Mr Pompeo ahead of the Dialogue. In a



tweet, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, Mrs Swaraj had a productive meeting with Mr Pompeo. 

He said, the two sides took stock of impressive strides in the bilateral relationship and discussed steps to take the relationship to an even higher trajectory.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis, prior to the 22 Dialogue. Mr. Pompeo and Mr. Mattis arrived in New Delhi last evening to attend the meeting. 

 

Mr Pompeo and Mr Mattis will also jointly call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday evening.