As per a press release from the External Affairs Ministry, the Indian delegation was headed by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary for Europe West at the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence.
The UK delegation included Ben Mellor, India Director at the Indian Ocean Directorate of the Office of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development, and Simeon Fima, Strategic Programme Director at the Ministry of Defence.
The discussions focused on the comprehensive strategic partnership and underscored the necessity of ongoing high-level engagement to strengthen bilateral relations. Both delegations reviewed the progress under Roadmap 2030 and stressed the need to rejuvenate the partnership by identifying new areas of cooperation, according to the release.
Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, announced on X (previously known as Twitter), stating, 'The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue took place in New Delhi today.'
India was represented by Joint Secretary Piyush Srivastava and Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) from the Ministry of Defence, Vishwesh Negi, along with the UK Speaker.
Representing the Ministry of Defense, Foreign Director Ben Mellor from the Commonwealth and Development Office, and Ministry of Defense Strategic Operations Director Shimon Fima co-chaired the meeting.
Both parties signed an India-U.K. agreement, reviewed the progress in various areas of cooperation, and discussed the India-UK partnership.
They also explored ways to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Primary priorities encompass bolstering economic and trade relationships with an emphasis on swiftly finalizing mutually advantageous free trade agreements (FTAs), improving defense and security collaboration, particularly in cyber and counter-terrorism areas, and promoting innovation in emerging technologies.
Additional focal points include clean energy, health, and strengthening cultural, educational, and interpersonal connections.
The discussion underscored notable advancements in various sectors, including technology and security projects, the UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge, the Electric Propulsion Capacity Partnership, and progress on the Defence Industrial Roadmap.
Both parties recognized the significance of these initiatives in bolstering collaboration and reaching shared goals. Furthermore, the dialogue provided a forum for exchanging perspectives on global and regional issues.
Both parties reiterated their dedication to a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
This focus highlights their shared strategic interests in tackling global issues and enhancing regional security.
The discussions ended with an agreement to hold the third edition in the UK in 2025 at a mutually convenient time, further solidifying the progress of their dynamic and evolving partnership.
[Agency]