‘Visit to North Korea behind postponing the 2+2 dialogue’

New Delhi: US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo had told external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj that the US had to postpone the 2+2 dialogue with India and the foreign and defence ministerial level since he had to travel to the North Korean Capital Pyongyang from July 5 to 7, sources said. The 2+2 dialogue was earlier supposed to be held on July 6 but was postponed at the US request. Sources said North Korea was the top priority for the US, adding that the Indo-US 2+2 dialogue is now expected to be held within the next couple of months.

Sources on Wednesday said, “Pompeo had actually shared the reason with EAM during the telephone discussion but since it was a matter of confidentiality, the US side had to say (publicly first) why the visit was being postponed. The fact is that he has to be in Pyongyang from July 5 to 7. And the number one priority for the United States is North Korea. So it’s understandable. Both sides are working for the next set of dates. All preparations for 2+2 are on track. ... On both tracks, defence and security as well as trade and economic track, we are moving on lines that both sides have agreed upon. ... It’s going to be in the next couple of months.”

Last week, the US has requested India for postponement of the bilateral strategic 2+2 dialogue that was to take place in the US on July 6 between the Foreign and Defence Ministers of both countries. Pompeo had conveyed “regret and deep disappointment” over the postponement due to “unavoidable reasons” in a phone call to Ms Swaraj, and sought India’s “understanding”.

At the 2+2 dialogue, the two sides were “expected to share perspectives on strengthening their strategic and security ties and exchange views on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.” Ms Sushma and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman were to travel to the US for the meeting while   Pompeo and secretary of defence James N. Mattis were to represent the American side.