The intricate dance of global diplomacy, the United States and India have once again taken center stage, announcing their shared commitment to preventing the escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. A high-ranking official from the State Department shed light on this collaborative effort on November 2, setting the stage for a crucial discussion during the upcoming 2+2 ministerial meeting in New Delhi.
Scheduled for November 10, the 2+2 dialogue will witness the presence of heavyweights such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, engaging with their Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. This annual dialogue, initiated in 2018, serves as a platform for in-depth discussions on strategic and defense issues, providing a unique opportunity for the two nations to align their interests.
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, emphasized the significance of the upcoming talks, stating that a key focus would be the collaboration between the US and India in maintaining a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific region. The leaders are expected to delve into a myriad of issues, including the complex situations in Russia and Ukraine, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Blinken’s prelude to the 2+2 Dialogue involves visits to Israel, Jordan, South Korea, and Japan, highlighting the extensive groundwork preceding the discussions in India. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Lu acknowledged India’s explicit condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attack and shared goals of preventing the conflict from spreading, maintaining stability in the Middle East, and endorsing a two-state solution.
Beyond the geopolitical intricacies, the 2+2 Dialogue has evolved to include defense co-production with India in recent years. Lu expressed the shared intention to foster collaboration in producing top-notch defense equipment to meet India’s defense needs and contribute to global security.
In addition to defense matters, the four Cabinet officials will explore avenues to advance democracy and human rights. The scope of cooperation extends to diverse fields, including clean energy, counterterrorism, artificial intelligence, space exploration, and semiconductor manufacturing.
China, a recurring player in global discussions, is expected to feature prominently in the talks. Lu confirmed that discussions on Indo-Pacific cooperation, especially in supporting a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, are formally on the agenda. The dialogue will also touch upon India’s discussions with China regarding border issues and the upcoming meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit.
Responding to inquiries about the India-Canada row, Lu revealed that the US has urged the Indian Government to cooperate with Canada on the investigation into allegations made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Expressing hope for a thorough investigation and justice for the perpetrators, Lu reiterated the ongoing collaboration between the US and its Canadian partners.
As the curtains rise on the 2+2 ministerial meeting, the world watches with anticipation, recognizing the pivotal role played by the US and India in shaping the global geopolitical landscape.