The 2+2 dialogue framework established in 2018 continues to shape India-US defence cooperation and strategic partnerships in 2025-26.

India-US 2+2 Dialogue Held In Delhi

In a first high-level meet of its kind, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are holding talks with their American counterparts. Mike Pompeo and Jim Mattis are in the National capital to be a part of the India-US 2+2 meet being held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan. Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford is also part of the delegation sent by the US. This is the highest level of meetings after the summit meetings between the American President and Indian Prime Minister.

First the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo met with his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj and the US Secretary of Defence, Jim Mattis met with Nirmala Sitharaman separately, before engaging in India-US 2+2 talks. On Thursday, India and the US signed the Communications Comparability and Security Agreement (COMCASA). This enables transfer of communication security equipment from the US to India, that will ensure “interoperability” between their forces and even with other military agencies that use US-origin systems for secured data links.

A joint statement was released in the India-US meet. The statement read “They welcomed the signing of the Communications Comparability and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will facilitate easy access to advance defence systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing US – origin platforms.” This is part of the three military agreements that the US considers “foundational for a working and successful military relationship. In August 2016, India had already signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which entails that either country can replenish the military from the other’s source. Negotiations on the third agreement called the ‘Basic Exchange and Cooperation for Geo-Spatial Cooperation’ have not yet begun.

The two parties in the meeting also agreed to establish a secure line of contact with each other, to help maintain a regular high – level communication on emerging developments. Some agreements for Naval cooperation would also be reached in the future. In the meeting, the ministers committed to starting exchanges between the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Indian Navy, underscoring the importance of deepening their maritime cooperation in the western Indian Ocean. Matiss emphasised that India was a key country in making the Indo – Pacific “safe and secure”. 

India was welcomed into the top tier of countries entitled to license-free exports, re-exports and transfers under License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA – 1).

Issues about granting US visas to Indians was also on the agenda. “I conveyed our expectation for a non – discriminatory and predictable approach to the H1B visa regime, given its high impact on innovation, competitiveness and people to people partnership,” said Swaraj. She was also appreciative of President Trump’s South Asia Policy and his demand from Pakistan to punish the preparators of various across –  the – border attacks.

We have to wait and see what the impact of so many India-US cooperative strategies and agreements will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the India-US 2+2 Dialogue?

The 2+2 Dialogue is a high-level strategic meeting between India and the US involving foreign and defence ministers. It facilitates discussion on security, defence cooperation, and bilateral relations. The first such meeting was held in 2018 at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan in Delhi between Sushma Swaraj, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mike Pompeo, and Jim Mattis.

What is COMCASA agreement signed in 2018?

COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) enables transfer of advanced communication security equipment from the US to India. It ensures interoperability between Indian and US military forces, allowing secured data links and optimal utilization of US-origin defence platforms by Indian armed forces.

Why is India-US military cooperation important?

India-US military cooperation strengthens regional security, promotes defence technology transfer, and enhances interoperability between forces. The 2+2 dialogue framework facilitates strategic coordination, joint exercises, and collaborative defence initiatives that benefit both nations and contribute to Indo-Pacific stability and security.

What are the foundational defence agreements between India and US?

The US considers three agreements foundational for military relationships: the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) signed in 2016, COMCASA signed in 2018, and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). These agreements enable logistics support, secure communications, and geospatial intelligence sharing between Indian and American armed forces.

Who were the key officials at the 2018 India-US 2+2 meeting?

The 2018 2+2 dialogue involved Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis, and Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford representing their respective nations during this historic high-level strategic meeting.