November 20, New Delhi, India: US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti stated that India and US have taken significant steps to strengthen their defense partnership, and that the two countries are committed to promoting a resilient and rules-based international order to protect the Indo-Pacific’s “free, open, and inclusive” environment.
He went on to say that during the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, both countries’ ministers discussed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Garcetti stated at a national capital event, “I believe the joint statement (2+2 Dialogue) reflects both countries’ resolve to promote resilient rules-based international order to safeguard free, open, and Indo-Pacific inclusiveness through the Quad and other metrics, global issues.” The ministers also have discussed the tragic consequences of the conflicts between Ukraine and the Middle East, reiterating Israel’s anti-terrorism stance while also attempting to alleviate civilian suffering and comply with international humanitarian law.
The US embassy also stated that the US anticipates more visitors in December and January, as well as significant investments in Indian technology by US private sector companies. As a result of government-to-government discussions, space, defense, and production are all expanding.
The US government took significant steps to strengthen the major defense partnership, which is still growing, accelerating the momentum seen through initiatives like the US-India Industrial Cooperation and Defence Roadmap. He also emphasized that New Delhi and Washington should deepen their Artificial Intelligence (AI) dialogue.
India-US collaboration and cooperation is emerging in various domains, and more importantly, focus on weapons and what’s being sold or potentially co-developed. However, the militaries’ operational level, which is believed to be as important as any equipment, and countries discuss ways to deepen the science and technology partnerships in order to harness technology for the global good rather than technology that harms us rather than divides us, technology that can connect and protect us.
Garcetti also stated that the US administration is in talks with the Indian government about hiring more consulate staff and expediting visas. Last week, the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in the national capital. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with their US counterparts, Secretaries of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Source: immihelp
The dialogue serves as a platform for high-level discussions between the United States and India, during which the two countries’ leaders discuss critical bilateral and global issues, with a focus on Indo-Pacific developments.
The Ministers confirmed the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific, and expressed a renewed desire to strengthen their dialogue and collaboration through the Quad. They emphasized the Quad’s importance as a force for global good for the Indo-Pacific peoples. The Ministers anticipate that India will host the next in-person Quad Leaders Summit in 2024.
They also confirmed the importance of exchanging perspectives on shared global challenges, such as cooperation in multilateral and promoting global respect for human rights, and look forward to the next India-US Global Issues Forum in New Delhi in early 2024, hosted by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the US Department of State.
Garcetti also reaffirmed their continued support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and welcomed India’s candidature for the UN Security Council non-permanent seat in 2028-29.
