U.S.-India held a virtual 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue on Monday, discussing a wide range of topics and exploring ways to enhance cooperation, as Trump’s 50% tariffs take effect on Wednesday.
US-India Discuss Defense, Trade, Regional Security
The dialogue, co-chaired by Bethany P. Morrison, Senior Bureau Official for the U.S. Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P. Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, saw the participation of senior officials from both countries. The Indian delegation was led by Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Defense.
The talks addressed regional security updates, trade and investment partnerships, energy security, civil nuclear cooperation, critical minerals exploration, and efforts in counterterrorism and counternarcotics.
Officials looked to finalize a new ten-year U.S.-India defense framework while boosting cooperation in defense, technology, operations, regional engagement, and information sharing.
This dialogue was the first official-level meeting since the U.S. administration imposed tariffs on Indian goods on August 6. …