India-US 2+2 talks: Blinken and PM Modi meet, discuss ongoing war crises in Russia, Middle East

PM Modi and Anthony Blinken at the fifth India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue

The US Department of State said in its statement that Secretary of State Antony Blinken held crucial discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 10 on the sidelines of the Fifth Annual India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

During the meeting, the two leaders reinforced the Indo-US ties and shared commitment to a robust partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and collaboration on global matters such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East.

Spokesperson Matthew Miller's statement released by US State department said:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in New Delhi, India. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the United States’ and India’s shared vision for close partnership in the Indo-Pacific and on issues of global importance. They emphasized working together to address ongoing crises such as Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. The Secretary also congratulated the Prime Minister on India’s successful G20 presidency and discussed initiatives to expand our strategic partnership and create an open, accessible, and secure technology ecosystem.

Expressing gratitude for the visit of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the "2+2" format in enhancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

The PM tweeted on social networking platform X, "Glad to receive US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin The “2+2” Format is a key enabler for further strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our shared belief in democracy, pluralism and the rule of law underpins our mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse sectors. The India-US partnership is truly a force for global good."

Glad to receive @SecBlinken and @SecDef. The “2+2” Format is a key enabler for further strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Our shared belief in democracy, pluralism and the rule of law underpins our mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse… pic.twitter.com/IGku8yJJsj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2023

India and the United States share a robust strategic partnership marked by mutual trust, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Speaking after the fifth India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue, Singh highlighted common ground on key issues, including countering Chinese aggression, promoting a free Indo-Pacific, and addressing regional security challenges. The comments were made during a bilateral meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"The India-US defence relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership characterised by mutual trust, shared values and a growing recognition of common interests in maintaining regional and global security," Singh said in his opening comments at the bilateral talks.

"We increasingly find ourselves in agreement on strategic issues, including countering China's aggression, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional security challenges," he added.

"We share a focus on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Recognising the criticality of safeguarding vital sea lanes and promoting stability, our teams are working on substantive outcomes," the defence minister said.

Austin said both sides talked about the rising security challenges that are posed by China.

"We are working together on a number of things going forward. We have a common goal, a common view of the Indo-Pacific, and that is that the Indo-Pacific should remain free and open and that we should be able to sail in the international seas and fly in the international airspace," he said.

In a statement, the defence ministry said Singh and Austin comprehensively discussed a wide range of defence and strategic issues. "There was particular focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation and getting the defence industries from both sides together to cooperatively co-develop and co-produce defence systems," it said.

India also conveyed to the US at the '2+2' foreign and defence ministerial meeting its serious concerns over increasing activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.

"We have made our concerns very very clear," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a media briefing. "We have core security concerns and I am sure you are all aware of recent video that has surfaced from one such individual," Kwatra said adding the US side understood New Delhi's concerns.

(with inputs from PTI)