U.S., India To Strengthen Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, David Hale and India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla held virtual Foreign Office Consultations on July 7, 2020. 
They discussed U.S.-India cooperation on a full range of international issues and developed concrete steps to strengthen the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership established by their leaders. 
The discussions included ongoing threats to the rules-based international order, bilateral and multilateral diplomatic cooperation, maritime security, and the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Under Secretary Hale and Foreign Secretary Shringla agreed to consult closely on all challenges and endeavor to support each other’s objectives. 
They also agreed that the U.S.-India health partnership, including cooperation on pharmaceutical and vaccine development, will continue to play a critical role in the world’s recovery from COVID-19. 
In addition, Under Secretary Hale and Foreign Secretary Shringla affirmed the U.S. and Indian visions of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, where all countries can prosper, and agreed to work with other Indo-Pacific partners to bring these visions to reality. 
Both officials look forward to this year’s U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and pledged to remain in close contact on regional and international issues of mutual concern.