In a recent briefing at the Pentagon on September 28, 2024, Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh highlighted the robust partnership between the United States and India, emphasising the shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific through the Quad alliance. Her remarks come in the wake of significant diplomatic events, including the recent 2+2 meeting in New Delhi and the Quad Summit in the US.
Singh articulated that the Quad, consisting of the US, India, Japan, and Australia, is a coalition of like-minded nations. She stated, “The Quad is a group of like-minded nations coming together because they believe in a free and open Indo-Pacific.” This foundational principle underscores the alliance’s purpose in promoting regional stability and security.
When discussing the future of US-India relations, Singh pointed to the recent high-level meetings in Wilmington, where extensive details about further cooperation were unveiled. She remarked, “I think the partnership between India and the United States is certainly strong,” reflecting on the engagement between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi during these discussions.
On September 17, officials from both countries convened for the eighth US-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue in New Delhi. This dialogue, which focuses on strengthening bilateral cooperation, was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P Royal from the US side. On the Indian side, discussions were led by Joint Secretary for the Americas Nagaraj Naidu from the Ministry of External Affairs and Joint Secretary for International Cooperation Vishwesh Negi from the Ministry of Defence.
The meeting aimed to advance key strategic and defence priorities, addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), significant topics included defence cooperation, space collaboration, civil aviation, and industrial and logistics coordination. Additionally, clean energy cooperation was highlighted as a critical area for joint efforts to tackle global challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US from September 21 to 23 also played a pivotal role in reinforcing the US-India partnership. During this visit, he attended the Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware, where he engaged with leaders from the other member nations. Modi also delivered remarks at the United Nations “Summit of the Future” and participated in several bilateral meetings with key global leaders.
The discussions at the Pentagon and the outcomes of the recent meetings indicate a proactive approach towards enhancing the US-India partnership. Both nations are keen on collaborating in various sectors, from defence to clean energy, as they navigate the complexities of regional security dynamics.
Singh’s statements at the briefing reflect a shared vision for the future, where the US and India continue to work closely together, addressing mutual challenges and reinforcing their commitment to a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.