India and US deepen strategic ties in 2+2 dialogue amid trade tensions

New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 27, 2025 00:50 IST

India and the United States held a virtual 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue on Monday, putting strong emphasis on expanding cooperation in critical minerals exploration, defence, trade, energy, and regional security. The meeting, co-chaired by senior officials from both nations’ defence and external affairs ministries, comes amid heightened trade tensions and ahead of the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

The intersessional dialogue serves as a preparatory platform for the ministerial-level talks and builds on the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) initiative aimed at shaping a forward-looking strategic partnership for the 21st century.

Representing India were Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, Additional Secretary (Americas) at the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary ( Cooperation) at the Ministry of Defence. From the US side, Bethany P. Morrison, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P. Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, participated.

Key areas of discussion included trade and investment, energy security with a focus on civil-nuclear cooperation, exploration of critical minerals, counternarcotics and counterterrorism efforts, and broader defence and regional cooperation. A significant outcome was the commitment to finalise a new 10-year Framework for the India-US Major Defence Partnership. This framework is expected to bolster defence industrial and technological collaboration, enhance operational coordination, and strengthen information-sharing and regional cooperation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, aligning with the Quad partnership involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia.

The dialogue concluded with both nations expressing appreciation for the constructive discussions and their intent to deepen bilateral ties in a way that benefits the people of India and the United States.

The talks come at a time when US President Donald Trump’s administration is set to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods starting Wednesday, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.

This is in addition to a 25 per cent tariff introduced on July 31 as part of broader trade measures, bringing the total tariff burden on Indian exports to 50 per cent, potentially affecting up to 60 per cent of India’s exports to the US, valued at around USD 48 billion.

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With inputs from ANI