India-Us 2+2 dialogue: Iran oil, Russian missiles on agenda

New Delhi: With the 2+2 dialogue at the foreign and defence ministerial level in New Delhi set to take place on Thursday amid threat of US sanctions over import of weaponry from Russia and oil from Iran, Government sources on Tuesday said India hoped the US would not forget its strategic relations with New Delhi. India is hoping for a waiver from Washington on both counts. 

The issue of oil imports from Iran, the proposed S-400 missile deal with Russia, “stock-taking” on the proposed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) pact that will enable sale of armed drones by the US to India, matters relating to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region vis-a-vis China as well as matters relating to India's concerns on proposed immigration curbs in the US that affect Indian professionals working there are all expected to figure during the 2+2 dialogue.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis will reach India on Wednesday evening for the Dialogue being hosted by External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 6. The 2+2 Dialogue on Thursday will be preceded on that day by separate bilateral dialogues at the foreign and defence ministerial level before the four dignitaries together discuss various issues of regional and global importance. They will then together call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, symbolising the proximity and strength of Indo-US ties. 

While the proposed S-400 missile deal with Russia is officially not on the agenda, sources did not rule out a discussion on it if the matter was raised by the American side. In the wake of sanctions by the US on Russian military exports, the US is concerned about the proposed Indo-Russian deal lthough it may consider giving India a one-time waiver.