Origins of the Dialogue
The 2-2 Ministerial Dialogue was established as a key platform to enhance bilateral relations between India and the United States, emerging from a significant agreement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. This dialogue was specifically designed to succeed the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue that had been initiated during the Obama administration, reflecting a shift in priorities and the evolving dynamics of U.S.-India relations. The establishment of the dialogue was formally acknowledged during Modi's visit to the United States in June 2017, an event that underscored the commitment of both leaders to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, from defense to trade.
Development and Rescheduling Challenges
Following the announcement of the dialogue in August 2017, subsequent plans for its first summit faced several delays. Initially, the meeting was slated for July 6, 2018, in Washington, D.C. However, it was postponed by India’s Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, who cited "unavoidable reasons" for the change. This wasn't an isolated incident; it marked the third postponement of the dialogue, highlighting the complexities and challenges in scheduling high-level diplomatic discussions that involve multiple stakeholders and evolving geopolitical situations. The postponements raised questions about logistical issues, preparedness, and the impact of regional tensions on bilateral engagements.
Importance of the Dialogue
Despite the setbacks in scheduling, the significance of the 2-2 Ministerial Dialogue remains profound. It aims to facilitate comprehensive discussions on critical issues including defense, trade, security, and climate change. By institutionalizing high-level communication between the two nations, the dialogue seeks to foster a strategic partnership that can address both countries' mutual interests and global challenges. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, such avenues of cooperation are essential for maintaining strong ties and ensuring stability in the Asia-Pacific region, thus benefiting both nations in their respective strategic objectives.
In 2018, a pivotal ministerial summit took place on September 6, marking a significant moment in the Indo-U.S. defense relationship. The meeting convened high-ranking officials including India's Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, and Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, alongside U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis, in New Delhi. This gathering was instrumental in reaffirming the United States' designation of India as a "Major Defense Partner," which indicated a deepening strategic relationship between the two nations.
A critical outcome of the summit was the granting of license-free exports, re-exports, and transfers under the License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization. This move facilitated smoother transactions for military equipment and technology between the two countries. Additionally, the summit led to the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (CCSA), a significant accord designed to enhance interoperability between the Indian and U.S. militaries. This agreement also paved the way for the procurement and exchange of advanced technology, reinforcing the defense capabilities of both nations.
Furthermore, discussions at the summit included negotiations for the Industrial Security Annex, intended to allow U.S. defense companies to supply military equipment to their Indian counterparts. This measure not only aimed at strengthening bilateral defense ties but also sought to bolster India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The agenda also encompassed ongoing cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, initiatives to promote peace in Afghanistan, and plans to expand economic collaboration between the two nations. In a noteworthy development, the meeting also fostered plans for the establishment of six nuclear power plants in India through a partnership between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Westinghouse Electric Company.
In a significant commitment to continuity and progress, representatives from both countries agreed to institutionalize the dialogue by turning the meeting into an annual event. This initiative signified a long-term vision for cooperation and collaboration across various sectors, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the United States and India in the years to come.
The second ministerial dialogue, held on December 18, 2019, in Washington, D.C., served as a pivotal moment in strengthening defense and strategic ties between the United States and India. The meeting witnessed the participation of high-level officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, and Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh. During their discussions, the ministers focused on addressing various areas of concern originally highlighted in their previous annual meeting. These included regional security challenges, counterterrorism efforts, and broader defense cooperation.
Notably, the ministers expressed strong support for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which had taken place between India, the United States, Australia, and Japan in September 2019. This dialogue aimed to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region and address emerging security threats. The reaffirmation of the Quad's importance underscored a collective commitment among these nations to enhance cooperative efforts and operational readiness in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.
As a significant outcome of the meeting, India and the United States signed the Industrial Security Annex, facilitating the sale of one-hundred and fourteen fighter jets to India. This aerospace deal not only exemplified the growing defense relationship between the two countries but also marked a crucial step toward bolstering India's defense capabilities. Furthermore, discussions were ongoing regarding the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for Geo-spatial Cooperation, which would enable reciprocal access to geospatial intelligence. The completion of BECA was anticipated to enhance military collaboration significantly, improving operational effectiveness in both countries' armed forces.
In 2020, the third summit between the leaders of India and the United States took place on October 27 in New Delhi. During this pivotal meeting, significant agreements were reached, including the signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-spatial Cooperation. This agreement marked a key development in military and strategic collaboration, allowing for enhanced sharing of geospatial intelligence and information between the two nations. The partnership was reinforced by the United States' commitment to uphold India's "territorial sovereignty and liberty," which came in light of the heightened tensions stemming from skirmishes between India and Chinese armed forces in the disputed region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The summit's discussions not only centered on geopolitics but also highlighted the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Indian and U.S. leaders recognized the necessity for international cooperation to address health crises and shared their strategies for combating the virus. This included discussions on vaccine development, distribution, and overall public health measures. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s remarks during the summit painted a stark picture of the geopolitical landscape, characterizing the Chinese Communist Party as "no friend to democracy." This statement reflected a sentiment of distrust that had been growing in U.S.-China relations, particularly in the wake of the pandemic which many leaders accused China of mishandling.
The meeting was a clear consolidation of the India-U.S. partnership, emphasizing democratic values and mutual security interests amidst regional instability brought on by China’s assertive actions. The outcomes of the summit underscored both nations' desire to deepen ties and enhance bilateral cooperation, setting the stage for a strategic alliance that would continue to evolve in the coming years. As China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region grew, India and the United States positioned themselves as counterbalancing forces, reinforcing their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, marked by shared democratic principles and economic partnerships.
In November 2021, the anticipated fourth meeting between India and the United States was a focal point of diplomatic discussions. There was potential for a significant engagement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., which could have further deepened the bilateral partnership. However, despite the high-level talks, no specific date was set for this summit, leaving the future of the discussions uncertain.
Prior to this, in October, high-ranking officials from both nations convened to address regional issues during the sixteenth US-India Defence Policy Group meeting. This engagement was seen as a crucial precursor to the 2+2 dialogue, aiming to strengthen defense relations and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The 2+2 format, which involves both foreign and defense ministers from the respective countries, is designed to facilitate strategic discussions that can enhance military collaboration and address mutual concerns.
However, as December approached, the outlook for a 2+2 dialogue in 2021 appeared dim. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, communicated that the likelihood of the 2+2 meeting materializing within the year was low, primarily due to the absence of a confirmed date and other vital logistics being unresolved. Ultimately, as the year concluded, it became evident that no 2+2 summit took place in 2021, reflecting ongoing challenges in finalizing high-level international diplomatic engagements amidst global uncertainties. The absence of this meeting underscored the complexities inherent in international relations, particularly during a time of evolving geopolitical landscapes and pressing global issues.
In March 2022, significant diplomatic engagements were set in motion when India and the United States announced their participation in a 2+2 ministerial dialogue. Scheduled for April 11 in Washington, D.C., the meeting was to be attended by prominent Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. This meeting represented a continuation of high-level discussions focusing on defense and strategic cooperation between the two nations. Singh was slated to be on U.S. soil from April 10-13, indicating an active agenda during this visit.
The dialogue held on April 11 proved to be a platform for addressing critical geopolitical issues, with both nations expressing intent to enhance their strategic partnership. Following the summit, however, discussions took a turn towards human rights, a topic that has often generated differing perspectives between the two democracies. During a press conference after the summit, Antony Blinken commented on the United States' observation of increasing human rights abuses within India. His remarks highlighted a concern shared by many in the international community regarding the protection of civil liberties and the treatment of minority groups.
In response, three days later, Jaishankar defended India's record on human rights by raising pertinent issues present within the U.S. itself, specifically citing the uptick in hate crimes targeting the Indian community in New York. He emphasized that such incidents should also be a matter of concern and called attention to the intricacies of assessing human rights based on regional and political contexts. The external affairs minister attributed the challenges facing human rights in India primarily to the influences of various lobbies and voter bases that politicize these concerns. This exchange underscored not only the complexity of international dialogue but also the contrasting narratives that can arise from the multifaceted nature of human rights discussions on a global stage.
As India continues to assert itself on the world stage, especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, these dialogues are crucial for fostering both a collaborative relationship with the U.S. and addressing concerns that have been raised by human rights advocates. The outcomes of such high-profile meetings will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of diplomatic relations between India and the United States in the years to come.
India and Japan have been strengthening their strategic partnership, with a significant milestone being the inaugural 2+2 ministerial dialogue that took place on November 30, 2019, in New Delhi. This landmark meeting marked the first direct engagement in this format between the two nations, signaling a commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation not only in defense but also in broader security areas. The dialogue involved high-level officials including Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Taro Kono, alongside India's Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
The context for such meetings has been shaped by increasing regional tensions, primarily due to China's assertive foreign policy and its growing influence across Asia. Both India and Japan share concerns regarding China's military modernization and its actions in contested areas, including the South China Sea and issues relating to territorial integrity. Thus, the 2+2 dialogues serve as a platform for both countries to discuss security concerns, coordinate defense strategies, and deepen their strategic alignment, particularly under the framework of the Quad partnership which includes Australia and the United States.
Following the initial meeting, preparations were made for a second 2+2 meeting anticipated in April 2022, set to take place in Tokyo. However, the meeting was rescheduled and ultimately convened on September 8, 2022. During this session, S. Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh engaged with their Japanese counterparts, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. Further underscoring the significance of this bilateral relationship, the ministers had an audience with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, reaffirming their commitment to work together to enhance security in the Indo-Pacific region and collaborate on various regional and global issues, including economic security, technology, and climate change.
The evolution of these 2+2 dialogues indicates a responsive and pragmatic approach to regional dynamics and showcases the importance both countries place on formalized discussions to navigate challenges and enhance collective security measures. As India and Japan continue to reinforce their security partnership, their collaboration is anticipated to play a pivotal role in establishing a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, while also serving as a counterbalance to emerging geopolitical challenges.
India and Australia conducted their inaugural 2+2 ministerial dialogue from September 10 to 12, 2021, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. The participants included India's Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and Minister of Defense, Rajnath Singh, representing the Indian government. Australia was represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne, and Defense Minister, Peter Dutton. This summit was pivotal as it reflected the shared strategic interests of both countries in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly amid rising concerns over China's assertive actions and territorial ambitions.
The dialogue built upon discussions from previous engagements, notably following a virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June 2020, where both leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This shift symbolized a deepening of ties, reflecting mutual aspirations for enhanced security cooperation and economic collaboration. As part of this partnership, the establishment of the 2+2 dialogue format emphasizes the importance both countries place on coordinating defense strategies and foreign policies.
During the summit, the Indian and Australian ministers deliberated on various issues, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, and supply chain resilience, acknowledging the need for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific to counterbalance aggressions that threaten regional stability. They committed to convening these dialogues every two years, aiming to address evolving security challenges and foster a closer defense relationship. The regularity of these meetings indicates an enduring commitment to reinforce the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while also aligning their strategies with shared partners, such as the United States and Japan, to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
India and Russia have long maintained a special strategic partnership, underscored by cultural ties and mutual interests. On November 26, 2021, it was confirmed that these nations would elevate their diplomatic engagement through a 2+2 summit scheduled for December 6, 2021. The summit would bring together Indian and Russian foreign and defence ministers, S. Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh, along with their Russian counterparts, Sergey Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu. The dialogue was anticipated to facilitate high-level discussions, including a prospective visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, thereby enhancing the bilateral relationship further.
The genesis of this summit can be traced back to a conversation held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin on April 28, 2021. During this call, both leaders expressed a mutual interest in strengthening their collaboration across various domains. Lavrov emphasized the significance of the 2+2 format, asserting that it would provide an efficient platform for addressing a broad spectrum of regional and international issues. He anticipated that this initiative would deepen the existing mutual understanding and fortify the historical ties between the two nations.
Upon Putin's arrival in New Delhi for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit, it was revealed that the discussions encompassed several key agreements. Notably, an ambitious plan was established for India to produce over six hundred thousand Kalashnikov rifles, signifying a boost in defense production collaboration. Additionally, both countries agreed to a military and technical cooperation pact that would be in effect until 2031. This pact reflects a commitment to enhance defense ties and includes a specific target to escalate bilateral trade to thirty billion dollars by the year 2025. Such agreements mark a significant step toward bolstering strategic cooperation, enhancing economic ties, and affirming the longstanding relationship between India and Russia amidst a changing global landscape.
The inaugural India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue took place on 16 October 2023 in New Delhi, marking a significant moment in the bilateral relationship between India and the United Kingdom. The dialogue serves as a platform for high-level discussions on both foreign policy and defense cooperation, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to enhancing their strategic partnership. The Indian delegation was led by notable officials, including Piyush Srivastava, the Joint Secretary for Europe West, and Vishwesh Negi, the Joint Secretary for International Cooperation. Their participation underscores India's intent to expand collaborative efforts on security and international issues.
On the UK side, the delegation was co-chaired by Ben Mellor, the India Director at the Indian Ocean Directorate, alongside Robert Magowan, the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff responsible for Finance and Military Capability. This high-level representation from the UK reflects the UK’s acknowledgment of the importance of India as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing shared interests in maintaining regional stability and security amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.
The dialogue focused on several critical areas, including defense procurement, joint military exercises, and collaborative research and development initiatives that can bolster defense capabilities in both nations. This engagement is essential, considering the rapidly changing security landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries seek to ensure a free, open, and inclusive maritime domain. Furthermore, discussions likely touched on counter-terrorism efforts and the need for stronger cooperation in emerging technologies—an area crucial for future defense strategies.
Overall, the 2+2 dialogue not only strengthens the bilateral defense relationship but also aligns with the broader strategic goals of both countries, fostering a partnership that can adapt to global security dynamics. As both India and the UK continue to navigate complex international challenges, dialogues like this will serve to deepen trust and enhance cooperative capacities in addressing mutual concerns, reinforcing the significance of their longstanding ties.