Stand with Israel against terrorism, say India & US at 5th 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
| 2023-11-10
The 5th India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi on November 10, 2023.
India & US also commit to work toward a political solution and durable peace
Meeting for the 5th India-US Ministerial Dialogue held in New Delhi on Friday (November 10, 2023), India and the United States said they stand against the “horrific” terrorist attacks against Israel.
Attending the meeting, the Defence Ministers and Foreign Ministers from India and the US called for adherence to international humanitarian law, and sought the immediate release of all remaining Israelis taken hostage by Palestine-based Hamas militants.
“Noting horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, the Ministers reiterated that India and the United States stand with Israel against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians,” said the Joint Statement issued after the meeting. They called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
At the same time, the ministers committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region on humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
“They expressed support for humanitarian pauses and committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace,” the Joint Statement said.
The four ministers also discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Ukraine among other regions. “The ministers expressed mutual deep concern over the war in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences. They again underscored the growing impacts of this war on the global economic system and food security, with consequences predominantly affecting the global South,” the Joint Statement said.
Both countries further pledged to continue humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine and concurred on the need for post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine.
On Afghanistan, the Ministers called on the Taliban to adhere to their commitment to prevent any group or individual from using the territory of Afghanistan to threaten the security of any country; and noted UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021), which demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or finance terrorist attacks. The Ministers urged the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans, including women, children, and members of minority groups; and uphold freedom of travel.
“They also emphasized unhindered access to deliver humanitarian assistance and recommitted to having consultations on Afghanistan to help facilitate an inclusive and peaceful future for all Afghans,” the Joint Statement said.
According to the Joint Statement, the Ministers reaffirmed the importance of a free, open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific and renewed their shared desire to consolidate their dialogue and collaboration through the Quad. “They emphasized the important role of the Quad as a force for global good for the peoples of the Indo-Pacific. The Ministers look forward to India hosting the next in-person Quad leaders’ Summit in 2024,” the statement noted.
The Ministers appreciated the ongoing efforts of the I2U2 countries to enhance food and energy security and improve the movement of people and goods across hemispheres. The Ministers also noted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe and will unlock new potential for economic growth in the two continents.
“They welcomed the relaunch of consultations between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the U.S. Department of State on Africa, aimed at exploring potential trilateral cooperation in Africa. They also looked forward to convening the next round of East Asia Consultations between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the U.S. Department of State at an early date,” the Joint Statement said.
Attending the meeting, the Defence Ministers and Foreign Ministers from India and the US called for adherence to international humanitarian law, and sought the immediate release of all remaining Israelis taken hostage by Palestine-based Hamas militants.
“Noting horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, the Ministers reiterated that India and the United States stand with Israel against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians,” said the Joint Statement issued after the meeting. They called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages.
At the same time, the ministers committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region on humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
“They expressed support for humanitarian pauses and committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace,” the Joint Statement said.
The four ministers also discussed developments in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Ukraine among other regions. “The ministers expressed mutual deep concern over the war in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences. They again underscored the growing impacts of this war on the global economic system and food security, with consequences predominantly affecting the global South,” the Joint Statement said.
Both countries further pledged to continue humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine and concurred on the need for post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine.
On Afghanistan, the Ministers called on the Taliban to adhere to their commitment to prevent any group or individual from using the territory of Afghanistan to threaten the security of any country; and noted UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021), which demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or finance terrorist attacks. The Ministers urged the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans, including women, children, and members of minority groups; and uphold freedom of travel.
“They also emphasized unhindered access to deliver humanitarian assistance and recommitted to having consultations on Afghanistan to help facilitate an inclusive and peaceful future for all Afghans,” the Joint Statement said.
According to the Joint Statement, the Ministers reaffirmed the importance of a free, open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific and renewed their shared desire to consolidate their dialogue and collaboration through the Quad. “They emphasized the important role of the Quad as a force for global good for the peoples of the Indo-Pacific. The Ministers look forward to India hosting the next in-person Quad leaders’ Summit in 2024,” the statement noted.
The Ministers appreciated the ongoing efforts of the I2U2 countries to enhance food and energy security and improve the movement of people and goods across hemispheres. The Ministers also noted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe and will unlock new potential for economic growth in the two continents.
“They welcomed the relaunch of consultations between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the U.S. Department of State on Africa, aimed at exploring potential trilateral cooperation in Africa. They also looked forward to convening the next round of East Asia Consultations between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the U.S. Department of State at an early date,” the Joint Statement said.
Concerns Rise Over Delhi Voter Registration Discrepancies
Notices issued to prominent figures in Delhi's electoral rolls spark criticism. Over a third of voters face scrutiny under new election revision.
| 2026-09-21
Controversy Erupts Over Rahul Gandhi's PM Modi Mimicry at Event
Political tensions rise as BJP and Congress clash over mimicry of Prime Minister Modi by Rahul Gandhi's programme in Indore.
| 2026-09-21
Father of IIT Bombay Student Calls for Action Against Discrimination
The father of an IIT Bombay student seeks justice following allegations of caste discrimination and bullying at the prestigious institution.
| 2026-09-21
India and Japan Conduct Joint Air Exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026'
The Indian and Japanese air forces are collaborating in 'Veer Guardian-2026', featuring advanced fighter jets and aimed at strengthening defence ties.
| 2026-09-21
Assam Foundation Stone Laid for Adani Power’s 3,200 MW Project
Assam's Chief Minister lays foundation for Adani Power’s new thermal power plant, promising jobs and economic growth.
| 2026-09-21