Fifth Phase of “2+2 Talks” Between India and USA

Fifth Phase of “2+2 Talks” Between India and USA

Important for Prelims:

Two Plus Two talks, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Indian Ocean, Quad

Important for Mains:

GS-2: Issues related to India-US 2+2 talks

December 06, 2023

Why in News:

Recently, the fifth phase of the Ministerial meeting of 2+2 talks between India and USA was concluded.

  • In this 2+2 ministerial dialogue, India and US reviewed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation like defence, semiconductor, emerging technology, space, health etc.
  • In this meeting between the Foreign and Defense Ministers of India and America, India has decided to take full membership of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
  • It is noteworthy that India had announced to join CMF as an associate partner in the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, held in April (2022).
  • According to strategic experts, in view of China's increasing dominance in the Indian Ocean, India's joining this organization is the need of the hour and a strategic need.

What is Joint Maritime Force:

  • CMF is the world's largest multinational naval partnership, which was established in the year 2001.
  • A Vice Admiral rank officer of the US Navy commands the CMF.
  • Its headquarters is located in Bahrain.

Objective:

  • This US-led strategic maritime partnership aims to maintain the rules-based international order by countering illegal non-states in international waters spanning 3.2 million square meters.
  • Non-state actors means people who are not affiliated with any country or government.
  • The force's mandate is to promote security, stability and prosperity in the high seas, which include the world's most vital shipping lanes.

Major tasks of this group:

  • The main task of the joint maritime force is to stop drug trafficking and combat piracy.
  • Also encourage regional cooperation, engaging with regional and other partners to strengthen capabilities to improve overall security and stability.
  • Also aims to promote a safe marine environment free from the activities of illegal non-state actors.
  • When needed, this force also works for environmental issues and humanitarian disaster relief.
  • There are five joint task forces of the Combined Maritime Forces. One of these task forces conducts maritime security outside the Arabian Gulf, with its work focusing on the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.
  • The second task force does counter-piracy work.
  • The Third Task Force is tasked with ensuring maritime security within the Arabian Gulf and the Fourth Task Force handles maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
  • In May this year, a fifth task force has been formed, whose job is to provide maritime security training.

How CMF works:

  • Countries involved in the CMF work to maintain the rules-based international order by protecting the open flow of trade and commerce and preventing illegal activities in maritime areas by improving maritime security.
  • The contribution of each country involved in this partnership depends on how much naval resources (ships, submarines) it can provide when needed and in how much time.
  • Bahrain-based CMF has four commands based in the U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
  • The Deputy Commander of the CMF is the Commander of the United Kingdom Royal Navy. Other senior staff roles at the CMF's headquarters are fulfilled by personnel from member countries.

CMF member countries:

  • After India took full membership of CMF, it currently has 38 members.
  • Its other member countries include Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Yemen.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s decision to separate from CMF:

  • However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its separation from the CMF in May 2023 this year.
  • According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE has decided to withdraw its participation from the CMF after evaluating effective security cooperation with all partners.
  • The UAE was an active partner of the CMF alliance due to its strategic location on important maritime trade routes.

Significance:

  • India's full membership of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) will further strengthen the maritime security of India and the United States.
  • The building of major defense partnerships over the years has strategically enhanced the influence of member states in the Indian Ocean Region and will help contribute even more to peace and stability.
  • Through this agreement, India-US trade and technical cooperation in defense and high technology sectors will be further facilitated.

About ‘Two Plus Two Talks’:

  • ‘Two Plus Two Dialogue’ is a ministerial level dialogue which is organized between the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry of two countries.
  • The dialogue provides a platform to review the security, defense and strategic partnership between the two countries through an institutional mechanism at the highest level.

India's 2+2 Dialogue Partners:

  • The US has been India's oldest major 2+2 dialogue partner since 2018.
  • India's other partner countries on the 2+2 dialogue include Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and Russia.

Way Forward:

  • Defence issue is one of the most important pillars of India-US bilateral relations.
  • Despite various emerging geopolitical challenges, India needs to remain focused on important and long-term issues.
  • The world's two largest democracies should keep exchanging their ideas to solve global challenges.
  • Common goals should be set by both the countries for the restoration of peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

Source: PIB

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Mains Question

Discuss India's full membership in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in the light of the two plus two talks between India and the US.

Review the key role of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in reducing China's dominance in the Indian Ocean.