advertisement
The US and India on Wednesday, 18 December, discussed a range of strategic and security issues, including the use of terrorism as statecraft, as they held their second 2+2 dialogue in Washington, during which the two sides signed an industrial security agreement that will allow the transfer of defence technology.
The 2+2 dialogue was held at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, in Washington, United States.
During a press conference by the four leaders, Esper said the US is working with India on a fair and reciprocal trade deal.
Esper said the US-India defence relationship is strong and continues to improve.
"We have made substantial progress in the defence relationship," he said.
Singh said the US and India have a common vision of a free, seamless and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.
"Two countries talked about use of terrorism as statecraft," he said.
Jaishankar said in recent months we have seen five ministerial dialogues between the two countries -- reflective of the bilateral intense engagement.
"Counter-terrorism efforts also discussed during the meeting, including dangers of cross border terrorism," he said.
Earlier Singh and Jaishankar held separate meetings with their American counterparts.
Singh, who is here on his maiden visit to the US as Defense Minister, was accorded a 21 gun salute at the River Side entrance of the Pentagon.
Singh and Esper discussed issued related to strengthening defence ties and issues of mutual interest and concerns, including the neighbourhood and the Indo-Pacific region.
Across the Potomac river at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, Jaishankar and Pompeo discussed bilateral and regional issues.
The first 2+2 dialogue was held in New Delhi in September last year after the mechanism was approved by Modi and Trump.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)