US Secretary of State Blinken Declares ‘Most Robust Bilateral Partnership’ at Onset of 2+2 Dialogue

Commencing the fifth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken characterized the partnership between the two nations as the “strongest ever.” Expressing enthusiasm for the ongoing engagement, Blinken highlighted the unprecedented strength of their bilateral, regional, and global ties, citing India’s leadership in the G20 as evidence.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended a warm welcome to Secretary Blinken, emphasizing the visit’s significance in following up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June visit and President Biden’s September visit. Stressing the comprehensive nature of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, Jaishankar acknowledged the importance of taking a broader view of their collaborative efforts.

Referring to the successful G20 Summit under India’s chairmanship in September, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the US government and President Biden for their strong support, underscoring its role in achieving consensus and positive outcomes. He highlighted the upcoming discussions within the QUAD framework, addressing Indo-Pacific issues and global regional concerns, particularly in West Asia and the Middle East.

The ongoing dialogue serves as a platform for high-level discussions between the US and India, focusing on critical bilateral and global issues, with particular attention to developments in the Indo-Pacific region. The annual 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, initiated in 2018, features the Minister of External Affairs and the Defence Minister representing India, and the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defence representing the United States. The discussions revolve around shared concerns between the two countries.