India and the US recently concluded their second 2+2 ministerial dialogue in Washington. This meeting led to several landmark agreements in both defence and civilian sectors. The dialogue follows a format where ministers or secretaries from defence and foreign affairs meet with their counterparts from another country. Notably, this happens to be the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two nations.
Industrial Security Annex (ISA) – A Stepping Stone for Make in India
A key outcome of this meeting was the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) which was appended to the General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). This arrangement facilitates the exchange and protection of classified military information between the U.S. and Indian defence industries. It’s noteworthy that before this, such exchanges were only possible between government authorities – not private players. This move is expected to considerably boost the “Make in India” initiative in the defence sector. In accordance with the budget announcement of 2018-19, the Indian government has already decided to establish two Defence Industrial Corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Peacekeeping for Indo-Pacific and Counter-terrorism Efforts
The dialogue also fostered cooperation in the capacity-building of UN peacekeepers from Indo-Pacific countries, based on demands from these nations. Moreover, it sparked discussions revolving around counter-terrorism efforts, including the perils of cross border terrorism.
A Regular Affair: Tiger Triumph Exercise
The two countries have decided to hold the joint tri-services ‘Tiger Triumph’ annually. The inaugural edition took place in November 2019 as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise.
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
The CDRI, launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York, USA in September 2019 and headquartered in New Delhi, India, saw the US joining its ranks following this dialogue.
The MoU for Enhanced Water Resource Management
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and the U.S. Geological Survey to facilitate technical cooperation in water resources management and water technology.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
| Area | Action |
|---|---|
| Space Debris | Exchange of Information |
| Space Traffic Management | Ensures Navigational Safety |
Promoting Young Innovators via the Internship Programme (YIIP)
The dialogue paved the way for the creation of internship opportunities in key areas of science and economy, opening new avenues for young entrepreneurs.
Parliamentary Exchange and Judicial Cooperation
It was decided that there would be reciprocal visits by parliamentarians from both countries. The U.S. Federal Judicial Center and India’s National Judicial Academy in Bhopal will cooperate in the area of counter-terrorism jurisprudence and new areas of criminal jurisprudence including money laundering, drug trafficking, etc.
The 2+2 Dialogue: An Expanded Platform
While India also holds such talks with Australia at the Foreign Secretary and Defense Secretary levels and with Japan at the ministerial level, it is only the second time with the US, the first one being in New Delhi in September 2018. Interestingly, the US only holds such ministerial dialogues with India, Australia, and Japan.
