India, US Hold 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue; Review Security, Trade Ties

Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 22:33 IST

Officials discuss regional security, defence industrial cooperation, energy and critical minerals under the US-India COMPACT framework.

India and the US reaffirmed commitment to deepening bilateral ties and promoting a stable, prosperous Indo-Pacific through the Quad. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Senior officials from India and the United States held the virtual 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue on August 25, where they reviewed ongoing initiatives and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Bethany P. Morrison, Senior Bureau Official for the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P. Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. From the Indian side, Additional Secretary Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur of the Ministry of External Affairs and Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi of the Ministry of Defence led the discussions.

Both sides discussed regional security developments as well as cooperation on trade and investment, energy security, civil nuclear collaboration, exploration of critical minerals, and counterterrorism and counternarcotics initiatives.

Tuesday’s meeting marked the first official-level dialogue since the August 6 announcement by US President Donald Trump’s administration that imposed tariffs on Indian goods, highlighting ongoing engagement between India and the United States, signalling that even if the White House has emphasized US initiatives publicly, the dialogue reflects carefully built institutional cooperation.

The officials also looked forward to finalising a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership, alongside advancing cooperation in defence industry, science and technology, operational coordination, regional engagements, and information sharing. The dialogue took place under the framework of the US-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology).

The Quad grouping also featured in the discussions, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

The meeting was described as “productive", with both delegations expressing appreciation for the exchanges and committing to deepening the partnership in ways that benefit the people of both countries.

Siddhant Mishra

Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ...Read More

Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ...

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First Published:

August 26, 2025, 22:33 IST

News world India, US Hold 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue; Review Security, Trade Ties

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