What is 2+2 dialogue?
In foreign
policy, ‘2+2’ is the term used for the institutionalisation of a dialogue
mechanism between two countries consisting of the key Ministries of defence
& external affairs.
Japan is known to
draw from the format 2+2 dialogue has to offer for years now. India and Japan too
have a similar mechanism between them since 2010. Japan leans on this mechanism for developing strategic
interactions with the U.S, France, Russia and Australia. On the other hand, India
has established the 2+2 dialogue primarily with Japan. Both the countries have
practised a 2+2 dialogue mechanism almost annually.
What is the outline
of the recent India-US initiative?
India and U.S have established new 2+2 ministerial dialogue to enhance
strategic coordination between them and maintaining peace and stability in the into-pacific
region.
The new dialogue format will replace the earlier India-U. S strategic
and commercial dialogue.
It will be like the India-japan 2+2 dialogue format between foreign and
defence secretaries of the two countries.
This they believe , it would help in better handling of common challenges
like Chinese aggression & West Asia crisis.
How it was initiated?
India
and U.S had elevated their strategic dialogue in 2009 which mainly focused on
regional security, economic cooperation, defence, trade and climate challenge. The purpose of 2+2 ministerial dialogue is
to put strategic, defence and security relationship between the two countries
at the forefront and centre stage. The new format would include External
Affairs minister and defence minister from India and their America counterpart’s
secretary of state and defence secretary.
What is its impact?
The new
ministerial dialogue would enhance strategic coordination between the two
countries. It will helpful to coordinate and cooperate more intensely on Afghanistan,
developments in the Asia pacific, Indian ocean and in the Middle East (West Asia).
It will insulate the India- U.S strategic relationship.
Why did India-Japan hold
2+2 vice-ministerial dialogue?
India
and Japan explored ways to strength cooperation in the areas of counter terrorism,
maritime security, defence equipment and technology during the fifth 2+2 vice-minitrial
level dialogue.
Both sides
reviewed the entire gamut of India-japan relations and discussed issues having overlapped
foreign policy and security dimensions of India-japan cooperation and
consultations. They reaffirmed their common desire to build things on the strong
foundations of bilateral cooperation and exchange to forge a relationship of
mutual benefit.
Why India-U. S 2+2 dialogue
delayed?
America
has postponed its inaugural 2+2 dialogue with India which was scheduled to be
held in July 2018 Washington DC, citing “unavoidable reasons”. Both countries have now decided to have a dialogue in September 2018. This is the third time
that 2+2 dialogue has been postponed in the last six months.
