Modi, Biden to speak ahead of key 2+2 dialogue
NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: Ahead of a crucial 2+2 meeting between India and the US on Monday, in a departure from the norm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden will hold a virtual meeting to discuss the entire gamut of the relationship, developments in the Indopacific as well as the crisis in Ukraine, officials said on Sunday.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar landed in Washington on Sunday to participate in the 2+2 dialogue with their counterparts, secretary of defence Lloyd J Austin and secretary of state Antony J Blinken — this is the first dialogue under the format since the Biden administration took office and the fourth 2+2 dialogue since the inception of the format.
The virtual meeting and the dialogue comes in the backdrop of differences between the American and Indian positions on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. India has emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy, end to cessation of hostilities and violence and spoken up for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states — but has refrained from condemning Russian aggression. The US has led the international coalition against Russia and offered military support to Ukraine, and nudged India to take a stronger position against the Russian invasion and reduce its energy, defence and economic engagement with Russia.
Officials said that Monday’s conversations will reflect the ability of both sides to manage the differences, place it within the wider context of deepening ties, and build on convergences in a range of areas — including health, defence, space, cyber, higher education, climate and emerging technologies, among other issues.
But even as the two governments seek to focus on the wider relationship, Ukraine will remain a key focus area. The White House’s statement said: “President Biden will continue our close consultations on the consequences of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.”