Amid Tariff Row, India-U.S. Hold Defense Cooperation Dialogue

Amid escalating row over 50% tariffs on imports from India, New Delhi and Washington held the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue involving senior officials from the defense and foreign ministries of both countries on August 25.

Both sides looked forward to increasing defense cooperation, including signing a new ten-year Framework for the U.S. India Major Defense Partnership, as well as advancing defense industrial, science, and technology cooperation; operational coordination; regional cooperation; and information-sharing, a U.S. Department of Defense release said.

Participants agreed to build upon the progress made in these areas under the auspices of the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century and beyond.

The chairs reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region through the Quad.

The dialogue concluded with the chairs expressing their appreciation for the productive meeting and eagerness to continue enhancing the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship in a manner that benefits the people of America and India.