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The fourth round of 2+2 talks between foreign and defence ministers of India and the United States have been announced.

The two-day extensive top level interactions will take place on April 11th and 12th in Washington DC.

This is happening with a backdrop when US has openly disapproved India’s continued steady trade relations with Russia even as ugly conflict with Ukraine rages on.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh prepare to hold talks with their counterparts, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on April 11 when they travel to Washington.

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi brushed aside the talk by US Deputy NSA Daleep Singh of “consequences” if India continues its purchases of energy from Russia. “I don’t think that has anything to do with the 2+2 talks,” said the spokesperson, referring to queries on Singh’s statements made in India last week.

“We have a very strong, diversified, and robust relations with the US and the 2+2 is in the context of that,” he said, adding that India is “looking forward” to the April 11 talks.

He said the 2+2 talks would enable both sides to undertake a comprehensive review of cross-cutting issues in the India-US bilateral agenda related to foreign policy, defence and security with the objective of providing strategic guidance and vision for further consolidating the relationship.”

“The 2+2 Dialogue will also provide an opportunity to exchange views about important regional and global developments and how we can work together to address issues of common interest and concern,” he added.

The EAM will visit the US from April 11 to 12. He will also hold a bilateral with the US Secretary of State, and is scheduled to meet senior members of the US administration to further advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

US Deputy NSA for International Economics Daleep Singh during his India visit had warned that there would be consequences for countries that are attempting to circumvent the US sanctions on Moscow, referring to India seeking to purchase Russian fuel at discounted prices.

Reiterating India’s position, in view of the West’s sanctions, the MEA spokesperson said: “Let me emphasise that energy flows to Europe are continuing, fertiliser purchases have been insulated. There are such other examples also.