Beyond diplomacy: India’s 2+2 dialogue with global partners

Explainer

Ravneet Kaur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, Updated At : 05:53 PM Aug 29, 2025 IST

What is a 2+2 dialogue?

• A 2+2 Dialogue is a high-level institutionalised diplomatic and security meeting between Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of two countries.

• It goes beyond traditional diplomatic talks by involving both strategic (defence) and foreign policy establishments together.

• Objective: To deepen strategic, security and defence cooperation along with regional/global issues.

India has 2+2 dialogues with multiple countries:

• United States (at Ministerial level since 2018)

• Japan

• Australia

• Russia (in 2021, first ever with Russia)

The level may differ: With the US, it is at Foreign + Defence Ministers level (highest), while with some others it may be at Secretary-level.

India-US 2+2 dialogue

• Started in 2018, replacing the earlier India-US strategic and commercial dialogue.

• Purpose: To institutionalise stronger defence & strategic engagement amidst growing Indo-Pacific challenges.

• Key focus areas: Defence interoperability, technology transfer, counter-terrorism, Indo-Pacific security, space, cyber, trade and global issues.

Previous 2+2 dialogues (India-US)

1. 1st dialogue (2018, New Delhi)

• Signing of COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement).

• Strengthened defence technology cooperation.

2. 2nd dialogue (2019, Washington DC)

• Discussions on counter-terrorism (post-Pulwama, Balakot context).

• Enhanced Indo-Pacific cooperation.

3. 3rd dialogue (2020, New Delhi)

• Amid COVID-19.

• Signing of BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence).

• Increased maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.

4. 4th dialogue (2021, Washington DC)

• Focus on Afghanistan situation post-US withdrawal.

• Defence tech and space cooperation.

5. 5th dialogue (2022, Washington DC)

• Focus on Ukraine crisis, Indo-Pacific strategy.

• Boost to critical and emerging technologies cooperation.

6. 6th Dialogue (2023, New Delhi)

• Strengthening defence industrial cooperation.

• Talks on West Asia crisis, Indo-Pacific security, counter-terrorism.

UPSC relevance

• GS-II (International Relations): India-US relations, QUAD, Indo-Pacific, strategic partnerships.

• GS-III (Security Issues): Defence technology transfer, COMCASA, BECA, LEMOA (foundational agreements).

• Essay/interview: “2+2 Dialogue as a pillar of India’s strategic autonomy and partnerships.”

• Current affairs: Latest outcomes from the 2023 round (e.g., defence industrial roadmap, space cooperation, Indo-Pacific focus).

UPSC Tip: Remember the Foundational Defence Agreements with the US often discussed in 2+2:

• LEMOA (2016) – Logistics support

• COMCASA (2018) – Secure communications

• BECA (2020) – Geospatial data sharing

• GSOMIA (2002, precursor)