Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: United States of America
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
A 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue is a format in which the foreign and defence ministers of two countries meet together. It signals a high level strategic partnership that covers both diplomatic and security cooperation. India initially began such a framework with Japan and later decided to establish a similar dialogue with another major partner. This question checks knowledge of India key strategic relationships in recent years.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- India already has a 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue with Japan.
- A new 2 plus 2 dialogue, similar in format, has been set up with one of the listed countries.
- The options are Britain, Australia, United States of America, and Israel.
- The format involves foreign affairs and defence ministers from both sides meeting together.
Concept / Approach:
India and the United States of America agreed to establish a 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue to deepen strategic, defence, and security cooperation. This format replaced the earlier Strategic and Commercial Dialogue and indicated the growing importance of defence ties and Indo Pacific cooperation. Remembering this specific upgrade in India United States relations helps us choose the correct answer from the list of options.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the term 2 plus 2 refers to foreign and defence ministers meeting together from each country.
Step 2: Note that India first had a 2 plus 2 framework with Japan and later extended the model to another key partner.
Step 3: Remember that India and the United States decided to hold a 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue to focus on defence, security, and strategic issues.
Step 4: Compare this with the options given: Britain, Australia, United States of America, and Israel.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the United States of America because it matches the known diplomatic development.
Verification / Alternative Check:
News reports on India foreign policy clearly mention that the India United States 2 plus 2 dialogue involves the External Affairs Minister and the Defence Minister from India meeting their counterparts, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense from the United States. While India also has strong relations with Britain, Australia, and Israel, the famous announcement of a new 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue similar to the India Japan model is specifically with the United States.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Britain: India and Britain have important historical and current ties, but the 2 plus 2 format highlighted in news in this context is not centred on Britain.
Australia: India and Australia cooperate closely in the Indo Pacific and through the Quad, but the question refers to the first new 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue after Japan, which is with the United States.
Israel: Defence cooperation with Israel is strong, yet the formal 2 plus 2 framework mentioned here is not primarily associated with Israel.
Common Pitfalls:
Because many countries hold high level dialogues with India, students may guess based on general strategic closeness rather than specific formats. It is easy to confuse the Quad grouping of India, Japan, Australia, and the United States and assume Australia is the answer. Careful reading of current affairs and noting which formats exist with which partners helps avoid this confusion.
Final Answer:
The new 2 plus 2 ministerial dialogue similar to the India Japan framework has been established between India and the United States of America.
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