Oct 17: The inaugural India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 16 October 2023. The Indian delegation was co-chaired by Shri Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary of Europe West, Ministry of External Affairs and Shri Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary, of International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence. The UK delegation was co-chaired by Mr Ben Mellor, India Director, Indian Ocean Directorate, FCDO and Lt. General Rob Magowan, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Finance and Military Capability, Ministry of Defence.
The 2+2 dialogue at the Senior Official level is a mechanism to discuss and review all aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the regular high-level political exchanges and interactions which have provided guidance and momentum to India-UK multifaceted ties. They expressed happiness on the progress made in diverse areas of India-UK Roadmap 2030 including political exchanges, economic cooperation, defence and security, people-to-people ties, as well as regional and multilateral cooperation.
The two sides also discussed possibilities for further collaboration, particularly in areas of trade and investment, defence, critical and emerging technologies, civil aviation, health, energy, culture and strengthening people’s connections. The officials had an opportunity to exchange assessments about recent international developments including in the Indo-Pacific region, given their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity and for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. They also considered the possibility of enhancing collaboration in areas of counterterrorism, HADR and maritime security.
They agreed to report the outcome of the Dialogue to higher bilateral mechanisms, Foreign Office Consultations and the Defence Consultative Group, and hold the second meeting of the Dialogue in the UK at a mutually convenient time next year.
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