India, US hold 2+2 dialogue amid tariff row, focus on defence and strategic ties

The talks mark the first officially acknowledged bilateral engagement between New Delhi and Washington since tensions escalated over the US decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in retaliation for India’s purchase of Russian oil. The tariffs will come into effect Wednesday.

According to the MEA, discussions covered trade and investment, energy security with a focus on civil-nuclear cooperation, critical minerals exploration, counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism collaboration, among other areas.

Both sides also agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, including the signing of a new ten-year Framework for the India–US Major Defense Partnership.

They discussed advancing defence industrial, science and technology collaboration, operational coordination, regional engagement, and information-sharing.

The officials emphasised building on progress made under the India–US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), a framework aimed at expanding cooperation into the 21st century and beyond.

They reaffirmed their commitment to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific, highlighting the role of the Quad in achieving that vision.

The dialogue concluded with both delegations noting the productivity of the talks and their eagerness to further broaden and deepen the relationship for the benefit of both nations’ citizens.

From the Indian side, Additional Secretary (Americas) Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur and Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Vishwesh Negi co-chaired the virtual dialogue.

Their US counterparts were Bethany P Morrison, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs.