New Delhi: China’s military belligerence in eastern Ladakh and Indo-Pacific region figured prominently during the third edition of the 2+2 strategic dialogue between India and the US with Washington strongly affirming that it stands firmly with New Delhi in its efforts to defend sovereignty as the two sides vowed to ramp up their security ties, and inked the strategic defence pact, BECA.
During the high-level dialogue, which was led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar from the Indian side and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretay Mark T Esper from the US side, the two countries also denounced the use of terrorist proxies and asked Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of all terror attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai, Uri, and Pathankot. Both sides were assisted by their top military and security officials.
In a blunt criticism of China, Pompeo, cited killing of 20 Indian Army personnel in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in a clash with the Chinese military, and asserted that both India and the US are taking steps to strengthen cooperation against all threats and not just those posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Top government sources said China’s “expansionist behaviour” in eastern Ladakh and in various parts of the world was a major talking point during the meeting with both sides vowing to firmly confront the challenges in the region and beyond as part of their common vision and shared interests.
“The US will stand with people of India to confront threats to their sovereignty and their liberty,” Pompeo said.
The two countries also inked a total of five agreements including the long-negotiated Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) that will allow sharing of high-end military technology, classified satellite data and critical information between their militaries.
After the 2+2 talks, Pompeo and Esper called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed several issues of regional and global concern. (PTI)
