2+2 Dialogue
The 2+2 Dialogue is a bilateral meeting format between two countries involving their defense and foreign affairs ministries. In the context of India, the 2+2 Dialogue refers to the ministerial-level meetings held between India and its strategic partners, most notably the United States, Japan, Australia, and Russia.
Origin and Significance
The concept of the 2+2 Dialogue emerged as a means to enhance bilateral cooperation on strategic and security issues between nations. The format allows for a focused discussion on defense and foreign policy matters, facilitating better coordination and understanding between the participating countries.
For India, the 2+2 Dialogues have become an essential tool in strengthening its strategic partnerships and addressing regional and global challenges. These dialogues have helped India deepen its engagement with key partners and explore avenues for collaboration in areas such as defense cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.
The 2+2 Dialogue format has gained prominence in India’s foreign policy since the first India-US 2+2 Dialogue in 2018. The success of this dialogue has led to the establishment of similar dialogues with other strategic partners, showcasing India’s growing diplomatic influence and its commitment to fostering strong bilateral relationships.
India-US 2+2 Dialogue
The India-US 2+2 Dialogue is the most prominent of India’s 2+2 engagements. The first meeting was held in New Delhi in September 2018, with the participation of the Indian Minister of Defence, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, the US Secretary of State, and the US Secretary of Defense.
The dialogue has since become an annual event, with subsequent meetings held in Washington, D.C. (2019), New Delhi (2020), and Washington, D.C. (2021). The discussions have focused on a range of issues, including defense cooperation, counter-terrorism, regional security, and trade.
The India-US 2+2 Dialogue has resulted in several significant outcomes, such as the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), the Industrial Security Annex (ISA), and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). These agreements have strengthened military cooperation and intelligence sharing between the two countries.
The success of the India-US 2+2 Dialogue can be attributed to the shared values and interests of both nations, including the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, countering terrorism, and maintaining regional stability. The dialogue has also helped in addressing trade-related issues and enhancing people-to-people ties.
India-Japan 2+2 Dialogue
India and Japan held their first 2+2 Dialogue in New Delhi in November 2019. The dialogue involved the participation of the Indian Minister of Defence, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, the Japanese Minister of Defense, and the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The India-Japan 2+2 Dialogue has focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and defense technology. The two countries have also discussed the importance of maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
The dialogue has led to the strengthening of defense ties between India and Japan, with both countries participating in joint military exercises such as JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise) and DHARMA GUARDIAN. The two nations have also explored opportunities for collaboration in the development of defense technologies.
India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue
India and Australia held their first 2+2 Dialogue in New Delhi in September 2021. The dialogue involved the participation of the Indian Minister of Defence, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, the Australian Minister for Defence, and the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue has emphasized the growing strategic convergence between the two countries, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions have covered issues such as maritime cooperation, counter-terrorism, and the need to maintain a rules-based international order.
The dialogue has also focused on enhancing defense cooperation, with both countries signing the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) and conducting joint military exercises such as AUSINDEX. The two nations have also explored opportunities for collaboration in the fields of cyber security and critical technology.
India-Russia 2+2 Dialogue
India and Russia held their first 2+2 Dialogue in New Delhi in December 2021. The dialogue involved the participation of the Indian Minister of Defence, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, the Russian Minister of Defence, and the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The India-Russia 2+2 Dialogue has focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as defense, space, and nuclear energy. The two countries have also discussed regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
The dialogue has led to the strengthening of defense ties between India and Russia, with both countries signing several agreements related to the procurement of advanced defense systems, such as the S-400 missile defense system. The two nations have also explored opportunities for collaboration in the fields of space exploration and nuclear energy.
