The two nations have also discussed resilient supply chains, clean energy, and maritime domain awareness
India and the United States convened their latest bilateral 2+2 Inter-sessional meeting on September 16, 2024, in New Delhi. This critical session marked a significant step forward in the evolving partnership between the two countries, particularly in the areas of strategic cooperation, defense, technology, and economic relations. The 2+2 Inter-sessional meeting, held at the official level, followed up on the progress made during the last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023.

The meeting was co-chaired by senior officials from both nations. Joint Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu of India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Vishwesh Negi from the Ministry of Defence, represented India. The U.S. delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal. Together, these officials reviewed the broad spectrum of developments since the last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Focus on Cooperation Across Strategic Sectors

 The discussions centered around advancing the bilateral agenda across various critical sectors. Among the prominent themes were strategic cooperation, defence ties, technology collaboration, and space cooperation. The two nations also discussed resilient supply chains, clean energy, and maritime domain awareness.

One of the key focuses of the intersessional meeting was on enhancing defence and technology collaboration. India and the US have been steadily expanding their defense cooperation in recent years, with joint military exercises, defense technology sharing, and strategic coordination. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of evolving regional security dynamics. The officials reiterated the importance of enhancing maritime domain awareness and ensuring the security of vital sea lanes in the region.

India and the US have made significant strides in defense collaboration, particularly through initiatives like the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and major defense equipment sales, which continue to bolster India's defense capabilities. The two countries reviewed ongoing defense procurements and technology transfers, which are key to India's goal of developing a self-reliant defense industry.

In addition to defence, both sides have also been exploring further economic collaboration. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently held a meeting with a delegation from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), underscoring the growing economic ties between the two nations. Investment opportunities in India, particularly in sectors like clean energy and innovation, have drawn increased interest from U.S. companies. The delegation, headed by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Nisha Biswal, acknowledged India's immense potential for investment, particularly following recent economic reforms that have created a favorable environment for foreign investments.

The 2+2 Intersessional meeting also laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in clean energy and technological innovation. Both nations have made notable progress under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP), focusing on accelerating the transition to cleaner energy sources. As India seeks to reduce its carbon emissions and promote sustainable development, the US is playing a crucial role in supporting India's clean energy goals through technology transfer, investments, and partnerships in areas like green hydrogen, biofuels, and renewable energy.

Indian Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, held discussions during the GasTech 2024 event in Houston, further enhancing energy cooperation. The leaders reviewed the progress made under SCEP and explored opportunities for advancing clean energy innovation and strengthening energy security.

Beyond the bilateral agenda, India and the US used the 2+2 Intersessional to exchange views on a range of regional and global issues. The two nations are aligned in their approach to ensuring regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. As both countries face increasing challenges posed by a more assertive China, cooperation on defense and strategic issues has become more essential.

Coordinated Approach to Address Global Issues

 India and the US also discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the need for coordinated efforts to address global challenges like climate change and energy security. These discussions reflect the growing importance of India-US collaboration on international platforms and multilateral forums, where both countries aim to shape the global agenda in a way that reflects their shared democratic values and strategic interests.

The importance of people-to-people ties was another major point of discussion. India and the US share a strong cultural and educational exchange, with millions of Indian-origin individuals residing in the U.S. The continued efforts to enhance educational partnerships, academic exchanges, and professional collaboration between the two countries are pivotal in fostering deeper understanding and cooperation.

The 2+2 Intersessional also touched upon trilateral cooperation, particularly with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. India and the US are actively engaged in trilateral dialogues with Japan and Australia, working to strengthen the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). The Quad aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensure maritime security, and foster economic collaboration.

The 2+2 Intersessional meeting held on September 16, 2024, sets the stage for the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, where both nations will seek to further advance their bilateral partnership. This dialogue will build on the achievements of the current meeting and address new challenges and opportunities in defense, technology, energy, and regional security.

As the relationship between India and the US continues to grow, both nations remain committed to fostering a partnership that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The 2+2 dialogue format, which brings together foreign and defense ministers from both sides, has proven to be a crucial platform for advancing cooperation and addressing pressing global issues.