India, US agree China is anathema to democracy, established international etiquettes

U.S. Secretary of State  Mike Pompeo called out PRC the greatest enemy of international peace, stability and democratic way of life following his country and India signed five agreements during the 3rd bilateral two plus two Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had met  Mike Pompeo and Mark Esper and discussed issues and challenges of strategic importance. The two Secretaries made it a point to pay homage to the Galwan martyrs. Both sides highlighted the need to take forward shared objectives and build capabilities across all domains so as to ensure a safe, stable and rule-based regional and global security environment. The five accords are aimed at further deepening their bilateral relations in varied spheres. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar led the Indian delegation. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper led the US delegation. Briefing media after the meeting Rajnath Singh said, signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, BECA,  is a significant achievement.  The two nations have agreed to cooperate in the defence industrial production sphere. They had a candid and useful discussion. Military to military cooperation between India and U.S.is progressing very well. The Indian sides highlighted its capabilities of defence industries. The two delegations shared assessment of the security situation across Indo Pacific. They also agreed that upholding rules-based international order and upholding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states is essential. The two democracies will continue to work together to strengthen engagement in defence, security and other areas. The need for quick economic recovery and growth, prevention of the pandemic, rebuilding the global supply chain-related issues received priority in the discussions. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said, at a time when it is particularly important to uphold a rules-based international order, the ability of India and the US to work closely in defence and foreign policy has a larger resonance. India and the US together can make a real difference when it comes to regional and global challenges, whether it is in respecting territorial integrity, promoting maritime domain awareness, countering terrorism or ensuring prosperity. Over the last two decades, India – US bilateral relationship has grown steadily in its substance, facets and significance. The accompanying comfort levels today enable both countries to engage much more intensively on matters of national security, the EAM said. The agenda for the Third dialogue covered all bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Third Annual two plus two Ministerial Dialogue focused on advancing the Indo-US comprehensive global strategic partnership. Edited by PK Chakravarty