The 2+2 dialogue between India and USA is scheduled to take place on September 6th. The discussion between the two countries is regarding the Iran sanctions and India expects the US to consider the importance of its relationship with India carefully and takes a lenient view on India’s oil imports from Iran. It is also expecting leniency on the purchase of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile from Russia. The focus of the meeting itself will be on the two countries working together in the Indo-Pacific region, the finalisation of a foundational defence pact, the designation of terrorists, and visa issues.
The session was previously abruptly cancelled to which the US state department spoke :
“This scheduling change has nothing to do with trade, sanctions, or any other policy issues. We remain firmly committed to our partnership with India and look forward to rescheduling the 2+2 as soon as possible,”
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will discuss these with US Secretary of State Mike R Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis at the inaugural edition of the dialogue, which will also be the highest-level political engagement between India and the US this year.
Indian officials have subsequently told their US counterparts that they have been diversifying the country’s defence purchases. The government recently approved a $2-billion government-to-government deal for the purchase of 24 naval helicopters from US firm, Lockheed.
Under current USA rules against Russia, third countries could face sanctions if they transact with Russian defence or intelligence sectors. However, a new defence bill gives the president the authority to grant waivers in case of national security interests. This is the exact reason so as to why the Iranian issue is a case of discord between the two nations.