International Booster- India-US 2+2 Dialogue 2020

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India-US 2+2 Dialogue 2020

Introduction

India’s Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper to New Delhi for the third annual India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The Ministers welcomed the elevation of the India-U.S. relationship to a Comprehensive Global Strategic PARTNERSHIP during the visit of President Donald J. Trump to India in February 2020. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the India-U.S. partnership, anchored in mutual trust and friendship, shared commitment to Democracy, converging strategic interests, and robust engagement of their citizens.

Co-operation during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

The Ministers applauded the exemplary cooperation between India and the United States in confronting challenges emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. They reiterated their resolve to strengthen cooperation in the development of Vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, ventilators and other essential medical equipment. Recognizing that bilateral engagement in the research & development and the mass production of vaccines and therapeutics plays to our respective strengths, the Ministers sought to jointly promote access to high quality, safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines and treatments on a global scale.

Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific and Global Leadership 

The Ministers reiterated their commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on a rules-based international order, underpinned by ASEAN centrality, Rule of Law, sustainable and transparent Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE Investment, freedom of navigation and overflight, mutual respect for Sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of disputes. Highlighting the importance of securing the economic and security interests of all stakeholders having a legitimate interest in the region, the Ministers welcomed the growing understanding on the Indo-Pacific among like-minded countries. They reaffirmed that closer India-U.S. cooperation will support shared interests in promoting security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. They also emphasized that the Code Of Conduct in the South China Sea should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of any nation in accordance with international law.

The Ministers welcomed the recent convening of the Second Australia-India-Japan-United States Quadrilateral Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo on October 6, 2020.They appreciated the exchange of views on regional issues of mutual interest, as well as ongoing cooperation related to maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, regional connectivity, Health security and counter terrorism. The Ministers also welcomed the fact that these Consultations would now be held annually. They expressed their support for further strengthening Quad cooperation through expanded activities, including initiating a dialogue among the development organizations of partner countries.

The Ministers expressed their support for sustainable, transparent, quality Infrastructure Development in the Indo-Pacific region. They looked forward to furthering collaboration between USAID and India’s Development Partnership Administration (DPA) with a view to undertaking joint projects in the region. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of a permanent presence of the U.S. International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC) in India this year. The United States expressed strong support for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) as a leading mechanism for promoting regional Economic Development. Recognizing the need to contain the build-up of sovereign debt in developing and low-income countries by ensuring responsible, transparent, and sustainable financing practices for both borrowers and creditors, the Ministers looked forward to exploring ways to cooperate under the Blue Dot Network. They also looked forward to the Second Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) to be held on October 28-29, 2020.

Advancing the Defence and Security Partnership 

Noting the 15th anniversary of the inaugural U.S.-India Defense Framework Agreement, the Ministers commended what has become a comprehensive, resilient, and multi-faceted Major Defense Partnership (MDP) between India and the United States. They applauded the significant step of the signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). They also welcomed enhanced maritime information sharing and maritime domain awareness between their Navies and affirmed their commitment to build upon existing defense information-sharing at the joint-service and service-to-service levels and explore potential new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defense consultation and collaboration and to exploring opportunities to expand cooperative capacity-building efforts with partners across the region. They also affirmed their commitment to pursue increased cooperation between the Indian military and U.S. Central Command and Africa Command, including broader participation in exercises and conferences, so as to promote shared security interests. The U.S. appreciated India’s leadership in establishing an Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). The Ministers welcomed the positioning of a Liaison Officer from the U.S. Navy at the IFC-IOR and the positioning of an Indian Liaison Officer at NAVCENT, Bahrain and reiterated their intent to assign additional Liaison Officers.

Strengthening Bilateral India-U.S. Cooperation 

The Ministers welcomed efforts to rejuvenate and expand bilateral India-U.S. trade in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, they noted ongoing discussions by the Unites States Trade Representative and India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry to reach an understanding on improving market access, removing barriers to trade, and improving the business Environment.  The Ministers noted with satisfaction the significant strides made under the four Pillars of the Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) covering Oil & Gas, Power and Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Sustainable Growth. They also appreciated the progress made under the India-U.S. Gas Task Force and the launch of industry-led projects. They welcomed the announcement of new priorities and roadmap for each of the Pillars during the Ministerial meeting of the SEP held on July 17, 2020. With the objective of intensifying cooperation in the area of Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs), the Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in this regard.,

The India-US 2+2 Dialogue is a high-level strategic dialogue between the two countries. The first dialogue was held in New Delhi in September 2018, and the second dialogue was held in Washington, DC in December 2019. The third dialogue was held virtually in October 2020.

The dialogue covers a wide range of issues, including defense and security cooperation, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, cyber security, space cooperation, trade and investment, energy and Climate change, science and technology, people-to-people ties, and regional and global issues.

The dialogue is an important mechanism for strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the United States. It provides an opportunity for the two countries to discuss and coordinate their policies on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. The dialogue has also helped to improve the level of trust and cooperation between the two countries.

The following are some of the key outcomes of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue:

  • The two countries agreed to strengthen their defense and security cooperation. They signed a number of agreements, including a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on counter-terrorism. They signed a Joint Statement on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on non-proliferation. They signed a Joint Statement on Non-Proliferation Cooperation.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on cyber security. They signed a Joint Statement on Cyber Security Cooperation.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on space cooperation. They signed a Joint Statement on Space Cooperation.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on trade and investment. They signed a Joint Statement on Trade and Investment Cooperation.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on energy and Climate Change. They signed a Joint Statement on Energy and Climate Change Cooperation.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on science and technology. They signed a Joint Statement on Science and Technology Cooperation.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on people-to-people ties. They signed a Joint Statement on People-to-People Ties.
  • The two countries agreed to cooperate on regional and global issues. They signed a Joint Statement on Regional and Global Issues.

The India-US 2+2 Dialogue is a significant development in the bilateral relationship between India and the United States. It is a testament to the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The dialogue is expected to continue to play a vital role in strengthening the bilateral relationship in the years to come.

In addition to the above, the following are some of the key areas of cooperation between India and the United States:

  • Defense and security: India and the United States have a strong defense and security relationship. The two countries have been cooperating on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and nuclear security.
  • Trade and investment: India and the United States are each other’s largest trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries have been working to increase trade and investment ties.
  • Energy and climate change: India and the United States are working together to address climate change. The two countries have agreed to cooperate on clean energy technologies and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Science and technology: India and the United States have a strong science and technology relationship. The two countries have been cooperating on a range of issues, including space exploration, clean energy, and agriculture.
  • People-to-people ties: India and the United States have strong people-to-people ties. The two countries have been working to increase cultural and educational exchanges.

The India-US relationship is a vital partnership for both countries. The two countries share a common interest in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The India-US 2+2 Dialogue is an important mechanism for strengthening the bilateral relationship and addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

What is the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?

The India-US 2+2 Dialogue is a high-level meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of India and the United States. It was first held in September 2018, and has been held annually since then. The dialogue is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on a range of issues, including security, trade, and technology.

What are the goals of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?

The goals of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue are to:

  • Strengthen bilateral cooperation on a range of issues, including security, trade, and technology.
  • Promote strategic convergence between the two countries.
  • Address challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.

What are the benefits of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?

The benefits of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue include:

  • Increased cooperation on security issues, such as counter-terrorism and maritime security.
  • Increased trade and investment between the two countries.
  • Enhanced cooperation on technology issues, such as Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity.
  • Improved coordination on regional issues, such as the Indo-Pacific region.

What are the challenges of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?

The challenges of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue include:

  • The two countries have different strategic interests in some areas, such as the Middle East.
  • There is some mistrust between the two countries, due to historical and cultural differences.
  • The two countries have different levels of economic development, which can lead to trade disputes.

What is the future of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?

The future of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue is likely to be positive. The two countries have a strong strategic partnership, and the dialogue is a useful mechanism for discussing and addressing issues of mutual interest. The dialogue is likely to continue to grow in importance in the years to come.

  1. The India-US 2+2 Dialogue is a meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries. It was first held in 2018.
  2. The purpose of the dialogue is to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the United States.
  3. The dialogue covers a wide range of issues, including security, trade, and technology.
  4. The dialogue has been successful in promoting cooperation between India and the United States.
  5. The dialogue has also helped to improve the relationship between the two countries.

Here are some MCQs on the topic of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue:

  1. Which of the following is not a goal of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?
    (A) To strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the United States.
    (B) To promote cooperation between India and the United States on security issues.
    (C) To improve the relationship between India and the United States.
    (D) To discuss trade and technology issues.

  2. The India-US 2+2 Dialogue was first held in which year?
    (A) 2016
    (B) 2017
    (C) 2018
    (D) 2019

  3. Which of the following is not an issue that is covered by the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?
    (A) Security
    (B) Trade
    (C) Technology
    (D) Climate change

  4. The India-US 2+2 Dialogue has been successful in which of the following?
    (A) Promoting cooperation between India and the United States.
    (B) Improving the relationship between India and the United States.
    (C) Both (A) and (B).
    (D) Neither (A) nor (B).

  5. The India-US 2+2 Dialogue is a meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of which two countries?
    (A) India and the United States
    (B) India and China
    (C) India and Russia
    (D) India and Japan