US and Indian officials have held bilateral talks on the Indian and Ocean events

New Delhi: Senior officials from India and the United States took note of the progress of bilateral cooperation in defense, public health and the economy, as well as reviewed preparations for the next version of the 2 + 2 ministerial-level dialogue. Officials discussed the framework of the 2 + 2 inter-session meeting in Washington DC on Wednesday.

The two sides discussed recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and the western Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry (MEA) said. The ministry said the meeting reviewed the progress made since the last 2 + 2 ministerial talks in October 2020 and the preparations for its meeting later this year. Last year, the third and fourth editions of the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Level 2 + 2 Dialogue were scheduled to be held in Washington.

“The two sides include defense, global public health, economic and trade cooperation, science and technology, clean energy and climate finance, and people-to-people India-US strategic partnership,” the State Department said in a statement. The focus has been on progress and development.

“They have explored opportunities to enhance ongoing cooperation in this area based on mutual interests,” the statement said. Cooperation in contemporary areas such as space, cyber security and emerging technologies was also discussed.

“The officials had the opportunity to discuss recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and the western Indian Ocean,” the foreign ministry said. Have shared their vision for peace, stability and prosperity and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. The Indian delegation was co-chaired by Vani Rao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (USA) and Somnath Ghosh, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defense.