Officials from the two countries held discussions on ways to further strengthen interoperability and logistical cooperation, underscoring the relationship’s transformational momentum. The officials also discussed joint maritime engagements in the Indian Ocean region as well as increased cooperation in the space and cyber domains during the India-US 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue, according to the Pentagon. According to the statement, Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi of the Ministry of Defence and Additional Secretary Vani Rao of the Ministry of External Affairs led the Indian delegation.
Dr. Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, were in charge of the American delegation.
“The officials also discussed regional security developments and strategic priorities across the Indo-Pacific region,” a statement said. According to the Pentagon, the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue advanced a wide range of ambitious projects spanning the US-India partnership, including those related to defense and security, emerging technologies, interpersonal relations, clean energy, and supply chain resilience.
Ratner and his counterparts in the defense sector discussed the development of the US-India Defense Industrial Cooperation Roadmap between the two nations. They committed to swiftly completing negotiations on the Security of Supply Arrangement and Reciprocal Defense Procurement agreements and welcomed the development of new co-production initiatives, according to the statement.
The officials emphasized the positive momentum in US-India relations and reaffirmed the importance of a strong alliance between the two nations for maintaining security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the statement said. According to the Pentagon, Ratner reaffirmed the department’s dedication to collaborating with India to advance a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
