India, US aim to strengthen ties
Sushma, Sitharaman to hold talks
The issue of oil imports from Iran, the proposed S400 missile deal with Russia, “stock-taking” on the proposed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) pact that will enable sale of armed drones by the US to India, matters relating to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region vis-a-vis China as well as matters relating to India’s concerns on proposed immigration curbs in the US that affect Indian professionals working there are all expected to figure during the forthcoming 2+2 dialogue at the foreign and defence ministerial level in New Delhi on Thursday. Sources also said that India would take its decisions independently in line with its national interests.
US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and defence secretary Jim Mattis will reach India on Wednesday evening for the dialogue being hosted by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 6.
The 2+2 dialogue on Thursday will be preceded on that day by separate bilateral dialogues at the foreign and defence ministerial level before the four dignitaries together discuss various issues of regional and global importance. Then they will together call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, symbolising the proximity and strength of Indo-US ties.
While the proposed S-400 missile deal with Russia is officially not on the agenda, sources did not rule out a discussion on it if the American side raised the matter.
In the wake of sanctions by the US on Russian military exports, the US is concerned about the proposed Indo-Russian deal, although it may consider giving India a one-time waiver.
New Delhi is expected to cite its security requirements for the missile system and press for a US waiver to escape sanctions. India is expected to convey clearly to the US that it is an “energy import-reliant” country and that any alternatives to Iranian crude oil will first need to be considered for its pricing, as it could otherwise have an adverse impact on the Indian economy.
In the wake of the US piling on pressure on countries across the world to stop importing oil from Iran altogether or face sanctions, India’s ties with Iran and its strategic implications on the Chabahar port project is also expected to be discussed. Sources also said that there would be “stock-taking” on the COMCASA, a proposed pact on encrypted American defence technologies. This is in the wake of raging speculation whether any announcement on inking of the pact will be made or not.
Policy in the IndoPacific region with special emphasis on Chinese military assertiveness is also expected to be one of the major subjects of discussion.