India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue to focus on deepening security cooperation: State Department

The upcoming India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue taking place in New Delhi this week will focus on the enhancement of security collaboration between the two nations, according to the US State Department. This significant gathering will bring together foreign and defence ministers from India and the United States. On 10 November, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host their American counterparts, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Tony Blinken. At his daily news conference, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters, “India is a country that we have a deep partnership (with). He (Blinken) will be going for the 2+2 security dialogue with Secretary of Defense Austin, so I expect, of course, that deepening the security cooperation and partnership will be one of the many topics that are discussed.”

#WATCH | On U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's visit to India on 10th November to take part in the 5th India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson, US Department of State says, "India is, country that we have a deep partnership with. He… pic.twitter.com/oHky7VvfQs

— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2023

“It was something that was obviously raised during Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi’s state visit earlier this year, and I know the Secretary looks forward to being there and engaging directly with his counterparts on this,” Patel said in response to a question. With inputs from PTI