The upcoming 2+2 dialogue between India and the US is an important opportunity for the two countries to discuss a host of diplomatic and security issues, and to explore how to make use of India’s status as a major defence partner, the US said.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis is set to travel to New Delhi where they will meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The 2+2 dialogue was announced last year during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US.
In July, Swaraj and Sitharaman were set to travel to Washington for the meeting with their counterparts, but the US postponed the dialogue citing "unavoidable reasons."
“With India, we are looking forward to the inaugural 2+2 dialogue with Secretaries Pompeo and Mattis travelling for these meetings in New Delhi on September 6,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Alice Wells told reporters on Monday (20), reported news agency PTI.
“It is an important opportunity to discuss and enhance our engagement on a range of diplomatic and security priorities and really is an indication of the deepening strategic partnership that we enjoy with India,” she said.
Meanwhile, Pompeo is set to make a stopover in Islamabad on September 5 en route to New Delhi to meet Pakistan's new Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Khan has been a longtime critic of American policies in Pakistan and Pompeo's visit will help him assess the new Prime Minister's attitude towards the US.
Ahead of Pompeo's visit, the US said it was looking forward to working with the new Prime Minister.
"We recognize & welcome the newly elected #Pakistan Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI on taking the oath of office. The US looks forward to working with Pakistan's new civilian government to promote peace and prosperity in Pakistan and the region," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.
