New Delhi: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in New Delhi early on Friday morning for talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, setting the stage for the fifth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The upcoming dialogue will include the participation of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The discussions are expected to encompass a comprehensive review of the rapidly expanding strategic ties between India and the US. Key focus areas for the dialogue include defense and security cooperation, Indo-Pacific strategies, and strengthening people-to-people ties.

During his meeting with Jaishankar, Blinken emphasized the significant year of engagement being built between the two countries. He highlighted the robust bilateral partnership, regional collaboration, and global cooperation, citing India's leadership role in the G20 this year. Blinken expressed the United States' resolute focus on the Indo-Pacific, stressing the joint efforts in shaping the future in collaboration with India.

Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the US government's support during the G20 summit held in Delhi earlier this year. He acknowledged the successful outcomes achieved at the summit and credited the strong support from the United States, including President Biden, for the consensus reached.

Both S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh are scheduled to have separate bilateral meetings with Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, respectively.

The Ministry of External Affairs, commenting on the summit, emphasized that the visit would further enhance India-US relations. MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi welcomed Blinken to New Delhi and noted that the visit would provide a significant boost to the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States.

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