DECISIONS TAKEN IN 2+2 MEETING
Here are five highlights of the joint statement released by the two countries.
NEW HOTLINE
Joint statement: “The two sides further decided to establish secure communication between the minister of external affairs of India and the US Secretary of State, and between the minister of defence of India and the US Secretary of Defense”. The remarks symbolise the growing synergy between the two countries, as the hotline is aimed at maintaining regular high-level communication on emerging developments.
DEFENCE TIES
Joint statement: “The mutually agreed upon steps to strengthen defense ties further and promote better defense and security coordination and cooperation.” This reflects the increasing defence ties between the two nations. The efforts included the signing of a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will facilitate access to advanced military systems and
enable India to utilise its existing US-origin platforms. There were also negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA).
INDO-PACIFIC REGION
Joint statement: “Work together and in concert with other partners toward advancing a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on recognition of ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Countries) centrality.” In the backdrop of China’s expanding footprint in the region, India and the US discussed their larger cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
With the reset in ties between India and China, the two stuck to general positions rather than any posturing.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Joint statement: “Sustainable debt financing practices in infrastructure development.” This is an oblique reference to the connectivity project under China’s ‘One Road One Belt’ initiative. India has reservations about the financing of huge projects. So, along with the US it has emphasised the need to work to sustainable debt financing practices in infrastructure projects.