Swaraj, Pompeo agree to reschedule postponed US-India 2+2 dialogue soon
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her American counterpart Mike Pompeo have agreed to reschedule the postponed "2+2 dialogue" at a mutually convenient time and location as soon as possible. Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were earlier scheduled to travel to the United States to take part in the meeting with Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis on July 6 this year.
MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar gives updates of Swaraj-Pompeo call
Pompeo called Swaraj yesterday to postpone the dialogue
Yesterday, the US Secretary of State spoke over the phone with Swaraj to express his "regret and deep disappointment" at the US having to postpone the dialogue for "unavoidable reasons". Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, during the phone call, Pompeo further discussed strengthening the US-India cooperation asserting that India is "a major priority" for the Trump administration.
Dialogue was agreed during PM's visit to US last year
The new dialogue format was agreed upon between India and the US during the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Washington in June 2017. After June last year, the two countries have tried to schedule the dialogue many times with several dates having been considered.
US recognizes India as strong strategic and defense partner: Kumar
Kumar said the US welcomes India's emergence as a leading global power and stronger strategic and defense partner. "US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley is in New Delhi right now for a visit focused on advancing the US-India relationship and underscoring our shared values as the largest and oldest democracies committed to a rules-based international order," he added.
American think-tank community disappointed over postponing of dialogue
The decision to postpone the maiden 2+2 dialogue has come as a disappointment for India watchers in the American think-tank community. "The postponement is disappointing," said Jeff Smith from Heritage Foundation. "It is not so pleasing to see the 2+2 being called off. I believe the Trump administration is distracted with a summit with President Putin," Bharat Gopalaswamy from the Atlantic Council said.
Trump fascinated with Russia, wants to burn bridges: Gopalaswamy
"Like the summit with North Korea, they believe they might be able to advance their relations with Russia. The US's relations with Russia have deteriorated significantly over the last 18 months," Gopalaswamy said. He added that Trump has always had a fascination for Russia, Mr. Putin, and the US being able to strike some sort of a deal with Russia.
Obama admin official worried about trade disputes
"Frankly, I'm more worried that the growing cascade of disputes surrounding trade (between US-India) and investment will slowly sap momentum from this very important relationship," Joshua T White, a former Obama administration official said.
