Our Correspondent / NEW DELHI
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Secretary of Defense James Mattishas have arrived in New Delhi today to attend the 2 plus 2 dialogue between India and the United States on Thursday.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj received Mr Pompeo on his arrival Wednesday evening.
US Secretary of Defense James Mattis was received by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman received Mr Mattis on his arrival.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold the dialogue with Mr Pompeo and Mr Mattis in New Delhi on Thursday.
Mr Pompeo and Mr Mattis will also jointly call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Issues like enhancing trade, ways to counter terrorism and India’s concerns over the Trump administration’s decision to make changes in the H1B visa programme are expected to figure in the dialogue.
On Tuesday, sources said that US sanctions on the import of Iranian crude oil and boosting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region will also be the focus of the talks.
In a special gesture symbolising our warm & friendly relationship, EAM @SushmaSwaraj received United States Secretary of State @SecPompeo at the airport on his first visit to India. First ever 2+2 Dialogue between the Foreign & Defence Ministers of India & US takes place tomorrow pic.twitter.com/aUMFEQ1zsq
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 5, 2018