The overarching theme was commitment to the rules-based international order that safeguards sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholds democratic values, peace and prosperity for all. Both sides urged for immediate cessation of hostilities in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and respect for international law. Quad meetings taken place prior this meeting have been accorded due mention and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific with rule of law, freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of disputes and ASEAN centrality. They appreciated progress on developing a positive and constructive agenda for the Quad to deliver peace and prosperity to the region in the shared vision for a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
A special mention of Gulf or West Asia Quad has also been made in the statement in which the enhanced engagement amongst India, Israel, UAE and the US has been appreciated. The USA, while appreciating India’s contribution as a member of the UNSC reaffirmed its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC as well as its entry to the Nuclear Supplier’s Group. India’s contribution to the peacekeeping missions were also lauded.
Both USA and India called on the Afghan Taliban to abide by UN Resolution 2593 which demands that their territory must not be used to threaten or attack any country, to shelter or to train terrorists or to plan or finance terrorist attacks. They also urged the Taliban to respect human rights and uphold the freedom of travel. They also emphasised the importance of an inclusive Afghan government and safe access for the humanitarian aid. The ministers called for cessation of violence in Myanmar. They promised greater cooperation in the fields of health, education, economy, climate, energy, cyber, space and Covid. In the domain of defence and security, both reaffirmed ambitions for building an advanced and comprehensive partnership in which the US and Indian militaries coordinate closely together across all domains.
Cooperation between both navies was also accorded focussed attention in the backdrop of shared interest in the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The US welcomed India’s decision to join the Combined Maritime Forces Task Force as an Associate Partner to expand multilateral cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Regular bilateral logistics operations at sea and over land were also welcomed. Regular holding of bilateral and multilateral exercises on land, at sea and in air were also appreciated and acknowledged. They looked forward to deepening cooperation between the special forces of both countries. Acknowledging India’s focus on developing indigenous capabilities they committed to work closely on co-production, co-development, cooperative testing of advanced systems, investment promotion and the development of Maintenance Repair and overhaul facilities in India. In naval sector, the cooperation was intended to be enhanced through repair and maintenance of US Navy ships at Indian shipyards. Both countries specifically asked Pakistan to call upon perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai Attack and Pathankot attack to justice. Pakistan has also been asked to take immediate, sustained and irreversible actions to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks. Such discussion on Pakistan’s security matters, in this meeting, indicates that in near future it will be affected by developments in the Quad.
The 2+2 ministerial meet between the two countries is a bilateral initiative however from the communiqué it seems that a holistic overview of Indo-Pacific region has been undertaken by both sides from the platform of Quad. Although the other two countries of Quad were not included in the meeting yet the aspirations and assertions have been the same that were expressed during Quad Foreign Ministers meeting on February 11, 2022, and virtual meetings by the heads of Quad member states. It appears that such assertions have been made to reiterate India’s role as the net security provider in the region.
The intent here is also to underline the significance and efficacy of Quad as envisaged in the US State Department policy document. In 2+2 meet it has been demonstrated that the Quad’s manifestation is inevitable. The US, it appears, wishes India to take on a lead role in Quad and is therefore ready to support India in almost every field. Their growing cooperation in defence and security especially in the naval domain is surely noteworthy. Repair and maintenance of US Navy ships in Indian shipyards is likely to bring hands on experience of US technology to the Indian engineers.
Before, a virtual meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi was also held. President Biden called on PM Modi for reviewing the import of oil from Russia so as to impede support to President Putin in his ambitions against Ukraine. He however, could not get commitments from the Indian side. This shows an appetite within the US for absorbing Indian independence in dealing with the international affairs. This is important because the US has been put to test here in the identification of a number one enemy between Russia and China. India has some credible historical relations with Russia while China is a common adversary for both. For the US, both are opponents and it now has to decide how much it can sway India against Russia, while pushing it against China.