2+2 to address U.S. issues on Iran, Russia |ForumIAS

News:

Important facts:

2. Background:

The twice delayed dialogue was earlier scheduled on July 6, but was postponed by U.S. citing unavoidable reasons.

3. Importance of 2+2 dialogue:

The highest diplomatic and political dialogue between the two countries this year, presents an opportunity to-

Enhance engagement on range of diplomatic and security issues.
Chalk out counter-terrorism strategy, designation of Pakistan based outfits as terrorist organisation.
Laying the road map into sharing of information and cooperation FATF.

4. Issues related:

The US has imposed military sanctions under CAASTA against countries that engage with Russia on defence.
India buying S-400 air defence missile system from Russia will attract CAASTA.
In the back drop of US pulling out of JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), it has insisted all the countries upon halting import of Iranian crude.
Cutting Iran oil imports will have significant economic impact on India (inflation and fuel price hikes).
India’s development of Chabahar Port is a ‘sub-set’ of the Iran sanctions issue.
India sees Chabahar port as gateway to develop economic and humanitarian channels to Afghanistan.
US recently imposed tariffs on Indian steel and aluminium, to balance out the trade deficit with India.
The decision of US administration to make changes in H1-B visa program.

5. India’s argument:

Defence procurement is the key pillar of India-Russia relationship.
S-400 is one of the world’s most advanced system, and is important for India’s security.
Strong India is essential for the success of US’s Indo-Pacific policy.
India’s stand on Iran is in consistence with UNSC resolution 2231, and issues related to JCPOA should be worked by the parties therein.
India is heavily energy reliant with limited alternative energy sources.
Recent oil and gas import from US has reduced trade deficit between India and US.

6. Challenges before India:

Supporting US’s new South-Asia policy without compromising on its national interest.
Strengthening its relation with US while keeping intact its traditional ties with Russia.
Deepening its bilateral relation with US while maintaining its strategic autonomy.

7. Expected outcome from the dialogue:

India is expecting a waiver from the sanctions under CAASTA.
India may consider US demands to “zero out” its oil imports from Iran, if other sources of crude are made available at comparable price.
Progress on Foundational Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).
Announcement on a new tri-service amphibious Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise.
Approval for special hotline between the defence ministers.