NEW DELHI, Jan 31 (KUNA) -- India and the US on Tuesday held extensive talks on bilateral, regional issues and reviewed progress made on the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland co-chaired the annual India-US Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi which discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern and reviewed progress made towards further consolidating the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, India's External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
The deliberations focused mainly on the regional developments especially in the Indo-Pacific.
"Discussions also covered contemporary regional developments in South Asia, Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The two sides reiterated their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with the objective of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region," the statement said.
They also assessed the progress of initiatives and frameworks that reflect common strategic interests. Activities of Quad, I2U2 Group involving India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative were reviewed during the consultations.
They also agreed to work together during G20 Presidency of India and renewed commitment to cooperate in multilateral fora and international organizations on global issues of mutual interest. The meeting is considered instrumental in cementing mutual understanding and finding opportunities for further enhancing the India-US partnership. (end) atk