New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hosted US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the ‘2+2’ Ministerial Dialogue between New Delhi and Washington.
Taking to his official handle on X, PM Modi said the ‘2+2’ dialogue is the key to boosting strategic ties between the two countries.
“Glad to receive @SecBlinken and @SecDef. The “2+2” Format is a key enabler for further strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi posted on X.
Describing the bilateral partnership as a “force for global good”, he added, “Our shared belief in democracy, pluralism and the rule of law underpins our mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse sectors. The India-US partnership is truly a force for global good.”
Earlier in the day, the two sides came out with a joint statement after the ‘2+2’ talks, condemning terrorism and violent extremism, as well as the use of terror proxies and logistical, financial or military support to terror groups.
The two countries also called for the plotters and facilitators of the 26/11 and Pathankot terror attacks to be brought to justice.
“India and the US reiterated their condemnation of the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the Pathankot attack and called for bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice,” the statement said.
“The ministers also called for concerted action against all terrorists, including through designations of individuals affiliated with groups that are listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee, such as Al-Qaida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed,” the joint statement added.
The condemnation of terror was significant as it came at a time when both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Israel amid the ongoing ground offensive against Hamas. The military operations followed coordinated terror attacks in southern Israel on October 7.
Secretary of State Blinken and Defence Secretary Austin led the American delegation at the ‘2+2’ dialogue while India was represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Also holding deliberations on the prevailing humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the two sides called on the Taliban-led administration to deliver on their commitment to prevent any group or individual from using the territory of Afghanistan to threaten the security of any country.
The two countries also called on the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans and uphold freedom of travel.
Notably, Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is headquartered in Pakistan, was behind the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.
The attack on the Pathankot air base was also blamed on terrorists sent from across the border.