India Japan 2+2 Dialougue

Context:

Foreign Minister and Defense Minister of Japan are on a visit to India to hold the 3rd round of India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial meeting.

Understanding 2+2 Dialogues

• Purpose:2+2 dialogues involve the participation of high-level representatives, typically the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, from two nations.

üThis format aims to expand the scope of dialogue and collaboration between these countries.

• Rationale:Such dialogues enable comprehensive discussions on strategic concerns, mutual sensitivities, and political factors. They facilitate a deeper understanding of each other’s geopolitical perspectives and contribute to the development of stronger, more integrated strategic relationships in an ever-changing global environment.

India’s 2+2 Partners

ØUnited States (5 times):The United States is India’s foremost and oldest partner in the 2+2 format. The inaugural 2+2 dialogue took place in September 2018 during the Trump Administration.

ØAustralia (2 times):India engages in 2+2 meetings with Australia, further enhancing bilateral security and defence cooperation.

ØJapan (3 times):The 2+2 talks with Japan commenced in 2019, with the objective of bolstering strategic depth in security and defence cooperation.

ØUnited Kingdom (1 time):In October 2023, India initiated its first 2+2 dialogue with the United Kingdom, signifying the growing importance of this partnership.

ØRussia (1 time):India and Russia also engage in 2+2 dialogues, fostering a mutually beneficial understanding on various regional and international issues.

Significance of 2+2 Dialogues

• Defence and Strategic Agreements:These dialogues have led to significant bilateral agreements and partnerships. India and the United States, for instance, have signedTroika Pactslike:

1Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)

2Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)

3Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for deep military cooperation.

• Addressing Regional Concerns:In the face of common regional concerns, such as China’s increasing assertiveness, 2+2 dialogues have become vital mechanisms for India and its partners to align their strategic interests. This includes cooperation within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) forum with Japan, Australia, and the United States.
• Expanding Traditional Alliances:India also values its 2+2 dialogues with Russia, acknowledging shared worldviews and goals in promoting a multipolar world order.