New Delhi, Oct 27 (UNI) India and the US on Tuesday held the third 2+2 ministerial dialogue, focusing on Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, Afghanistan peace process and counter-terrorism.
“The 2+2 dialogue has a political-military agenda that underlines our close bilateral relationship. Our national security convergences have obviously grown in a more multi-polar world. We meet today to not only advance our own interests but to ensure that our bilateral cooperation makes a positive contribution in the world arena,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during the dialogue which was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Defence Secretary Mark T Esper.
“We are also committed to addressing together global issues ranging from HADR situations to maritime security and counter-terrorism,” Dr Jaishankar said.
The two sides also held talks on developments in neighbouring countries.
“We made clear that cross-border terrorism is completely unacceptable,” he said.
On Afghanistan, “India’s stakes in its security and stability are evident, as is our willingness to contribute to international efforts to that end,” the minister said.
Besides, the ministers also shared their experiences in responding to the Covid-19 challenge.
Dr Jaishankar further added that “the facilitation of travel even during the pandemic was very commendable. Today, our collaboration concentrates more on the domains of vaccine and testing that are so central to the return of normalcy.”
“We are also committed to creating more trusted and resilient global supply chains. An India that is now focussed on recovery, resilience and reform welcomes an expanded partnership with the United States,” he said.
On Indo-Pcific region, he said, “We reiterated the importance of peace, stability and prosperity for all countries in this region. As Raksha Mantri stated, this is possible only by upholding the rules based international order, ensuring the freedom of navigation in the international seas, promoting open connectivity and respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.”
A multi-polar world must have a multi-polar Asia as its basis, he addeed.
UNI ASH RB