Daijiworld Media Network - Washington (SHP)

Washington, Dec 19: US State Department spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus termed India as a very important friend. She stated that the US could 'lean upon' India to help to resolve major challenges in the world. Ortagus also mentioned Washington's Indo Pacific strategy which can be accomplished only with support from New Delhi.

In a statement with ANI, Ortagus said, 'US-India 2+2 Dialogue' held on December 18, showed the significance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar and Minister of Defense, Rajnath Singh conducted promising talks with Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper during the '2+2 dialogue'.

"It is important to note that it is only the second time we have had this 2+2 dialogue between the United States and India. It is the first time that it is being held in Washington. We have a very few of these around the world. I mean this shows the significance of the US bilateral relationship with India. India is incredibly important to us," Ortagus said.

Ortagus asserted that the two countries have innate talks on counter-terrorism, economics, trade and security.

She believed that with the constant turmoil going on in Afghanistan, peace could prevail in the region through partnerships with countries like India.

"When you have such an important relationship, it gives us the ability to talk about all major challenges in the world whether it is China, Russia or North Korea. India is a very, very important friend to the United States, someone that we lean upon in helping us solve these big problems."