India and the US to hold first dialogue in two plus two formats between India and US since President Joe Biden occupied the White House. The ministers will discuss Ukraine, Indo-Pacific theatres of concern and further cement defence and political ties as well as exchange notes.
India has called for the complete cessation of violence, resolution of differences through dialogue and for the territorial integrity of nation-states. PM Modi has communicated the same stance to Russian President Putin as well as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during telephonic conversations.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Chinese Defence Secretary Llyod Austin are expected to share their assessment of the Ukraine crisis. The two sides will also share assessments on the Indo-Pacific with the Chinese Navy growing by the day.
India and US will increase defence cooperation with the American F-18 deck based fighter being considered for the soon to be commissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The twin-engine multirole combat jet is expected to undergo ski jump trials at INS Hamla in Goa in April-May.
