Two plus two dialogue between India & US to be held today

Two plus two dialogue between India and US will be held in New Delhi today. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold the dialogue with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Secretary James Mattis.

Mr. Pompeo and Mr. arrived in New Delhi last evening to attend the meeting. 

Issues like enhancing trade, ways to counter terrorism and India's concerns over the Trump administration's decision to make changes in the H1B visa programme are expected to figure in the dialogue. 

Mr Pompeo and Mr Mattis will also jointly call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Sources said that US sanctions on the import of Iranian crude oil and boosting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region will also be the focus of the



talks.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, has said that the Trump administration recognises the opportunity to grow the US-India strategic partnership, deepen security relationship and ensure a more safe, secure, prosperous and free Indo-Pacific region. He was talking to the travelling press Before landing in New Delhi. 

Mr Mattis said that he and Pompeo will also meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to reinforce their appreciation for India's role in regional and global security framework. 

The defence secretary said US is certainly looking at how India and US counter the terrorism and increase defense innovation.

Mattis and Pompeo arrived in New Delhi separately for the inaugural India-US two-plus-two dialogue.