Defense

U.S. and India Hold 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue, Advance Defense and Strategic Cooperation

PHOTO: SAH

The United States and India convened a virtual U.S.-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue on August 25, 2025, to review ongoing bilateral and strategic initiatives.

The meeting was co-chaired by Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Bethany P. Morrison and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal, alongside India’s Ministry of External Affairs Additional Secretary Nagaraj Naidu and Ministry of Defense Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi, the U.S. State Department announced on August 26.

“Through this dialogue, officials advanced bilateral initiatives, discussed regional security developments, and exchanged perspectives on a number of shared strategic priorities,” the State Department noted. “They discussed trade and investment; energy security, including strengthening civil-nuclear cooperation; critical minerals exploration; counternarcotics and counterterrorism cooperation; and more.”

According to the statement, both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense ties, including work toward a new ten-year Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. The dialogue highlighted expanded defense industrial collaboration, advances in science and technology, operational coordination, regional partnerships, and information-sharing.

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“Participants agreed to build upon the progress made in these areas under the auspices of the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century and beyond,” the statement added, noting that the chairs also reiterated support for a “safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region through the Quad.”

The dialogue concluded with the co-chairs expressing appreciation for the productive exchanges and a shared eagerness to further strengthen the breadth and depth of the U.S.-India relationship for the mutual benefit of both nations.

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