US expresses regret over postponing the much anticipated ‘2 plus 2 dialogue’ with India

New Delhi, June 28: The much-anticipated talk between India and United States, the ‘2 plus 2 dialogue’ has been postponed. External Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were to visit the United States to further the meeting in July.

The dialogue between the defence and foreign ministers of the United States was scheduled to take place in the month of July. The message from the U.S. Secretary of States Mike Pompeo as he spoke to the EAM Sushma Swaraj and expressed regret about the meeting being postponed.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar last evening confirmed the news tweeting, “U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo spoke to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj a short while ago to express his regret and deep disappointment at the U.S. having to postpone the 2+2 Dialogue for unavoidable reasons.”

“Secretary Pompeo sought External Affairs Minister Swaraj’s understanding and they agreed to identify new mutually convenient dates to hold the dialogues at the earliest in India or the U.S.,” said the Spokesperson.

The talks were expected to boost bilateral ease of ties in the backdrop of growing disagreement over the Iran nuclear deal and the infusing tariff war between the two sides. The high-level dialogue was designed to address bilateral issues following a summit-level meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi in 2017. Both Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj were expected to travel to the U.S. for the meeting with Secretary of Defence Mattis and Secretary of State Pompeo.

The Trump administration withdrew from the Iran deal also known by the acronym JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in May.

Earlier, Ms. Haley who is visiting India for the first time since taking over as the envoy of President Trump in 2017 described the meeting with Prime Minister Modi as the one representing two democracies.

After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi last evening, US Ambassador Nikki Haley tweeted saying, “Great discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade, defence, regional security, and strengthening our partnership. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, our friendship is strong.”

She began her three-day tour to India by visiting the 16th century memorial of Emperor Humayun located in South Delhi.