It is a format of dialogue where mainly the defense and foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country. Currently India holds 2 + 2 dialogue with USA, Japan, Australia and Russia. It is aimed at opening a new chapter in the strategic partnership between India and other involved countries in the dialogue.
2+2 dialogue with USA
First 2 + 2 dialogue was held with US in New Delhi in 2018 and after that there are 2 more dialogues held in the year 2019 and 2020. In 2020, India signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) with USA. Both countries released joint statement regarding peace in the Asia-Pacific region and gives stress on the Code of conduct in the South China Sea should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of any nation in accordance with the international law (in 2020 dialogue). USA also supports India in the ongoing standoff between India-China (in 2020 dialogue). India and USA also expressed satisfaction at the ongoing progress in the implementation of Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). The ministers welcomed the inclusion of Royal Australian Navy in the Exercise MALABAR.
2+2 dialogue with Japan
The inaugural dialogue with Japan was held on 30th November 2019 in New Delhi. It has been started to advance the ‘special strategic and global partnership’ of 2014 and to strengthen the defense and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue also laid stress on the maritime security.
2+2 dialogue with Australia
Inaugural dialogue with Australia was held on 11 September 2021 in New Delhi. Both the countries emphasize to strengthen cooperation to promote timely and equal access to high quality, safe, effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and other medical supplies globally including through COVAX. Both the countries also noted the advance COVID-19 study for future health effects of the virus through the projects funded by Australia-India strategic research fund. Both sides reiterated commitment to join declaration on a shared vision for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in 2020. They also laid stress on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea which should be fully consistent with International law. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to Quad cooperation. Both sides also expressed deep concern and thoughts about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.
They reiterated calls on those in position of power and authority across Afghanistan to adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with UNSC 2593 (i.e., combating terrorism, upholding human rights). Continued collaboration between DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) of India and DSTG (Defense Science and Technology Group). Both sides will try to conclude the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement soon ( so that citizens from both the nations moves smoothly). Australia also welcomed India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020) which will be useful for boosting collaboration between academic institutions of both countries.
