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U.S. Department of State Weekly Digest Bulletin Inbox U.S. Department of State <usstatebpa@public.govdelivery.com> 6:16 AM (5 hours ago) to me U.S. Welcomes Guatemala’s Designation of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization 10/24/2020 You are subscribed to Counterterrorism for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Welcomes Guatemala’s Designation of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization 10/24/2020 09:20 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State We commend Guatemala for designating Hizballah as a terrorist organization in its entirety and demonstrating resolve in countering this dangerous terrorist group.  This important step will help cut off Hizballah’s ability to plot terrorist attacks and to raise money around the world, including in the Western Hemisphere. With this designation, Guatemala joins a growing list of nations that have recognized Hizballah for what it is – not a defender of Lebanon, but a transnational terrorist organization dedicated to advancing Iran’s malicious agenda.  Like al-Qaida and ISIS, Hizballah has a global reach – in recent years operations and plots have been disrupted in the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The United States continues to call on its partners to designate Hizballah in its entirety, and to recognize that there is no distinction between its so-called “military” and “political” wings.  We urge all countries to take whatever action they can to prevent Hizballah operatives, recruiters, and financiers from operating in their territories. U.S. Welcomes Guatemala’s Designation of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization 10/24/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Welcomes Guatemala’s Designation of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization 10/24/2020 09:20 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State We commend Guatemala for designating Hizballah as a terrorist organization in its entirety and demonstrating resolve in countering this dangerous terrorist group.  This important step will help cut off Hizballah’s ability to plot terrorist attacks and to raise money around the world, including in the Western Hemisphere. With this designation, Guatemala joins a growing list of nations that have recognized Hizballah for what it is – not a defender of Lebanon, but a transnational terrorist organization dedicated to advancing Iran’s malicious agenda.  Like al-Qaida and ISIS, Hizballah has a global reach – in recent years operations and plots have been disrupted in the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The United States continues to call on its partners to designate Hizballah in its entirety, and to recognize that there is no distinction between its so-called “military” and “political” wings.  We urge all countries to take whatever action they can to prevent Hizballah operatives, recruiters, and financiers from operating in their territories. U.S. Welcomes Guatemala’s Designation of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization 10/24/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S. Welcomes Guatemala’s Designation of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization 10/24/2020 09:20 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State We commend Guatemala for designating Hizballah as a terrorist organization in its entirety and demonstrating resolve in countering this dangerous terrorist group.  This important step will help cut off Hizballah’s ability to plot terrorist attacks and to raise money around the world, including in the Western Hemisphere. With this designation, Guatemala joins a growing list of nations that have recognized Hizballah for what it is – not a defender of Lebanon, but a transnational terrorist organization dedicated to advancing Iran’s malicious agenda.  Like al-Qaida and ISIS, Hizballah has a global reach – in recent years operations and plots have been disrupted in the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The United States continues to call on its partners to designate Hizballah in its entirety, and to recognize that there is no distinction between its so-called “military” and “political” wings.  We urge all countries to take whatever action they can to prevent Hizballah operatives, recruiters, and financiers from operating in their territories. Congratulations on Seychelles’ Elections 10/25/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Congratulations on Seychelles’ Elections 10/25/2020 06:51 AM EDT Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson The United States congratulates the Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the Seychellois people on a successful election and looks forward to a peaceful transfer of power.  The commitment of the Seychellois people to the democratic process has ushered in a new chapter in their country’s history.  This achievement represents another major milestone in Seychelles’ democracy. We congratulate Reverend Wavel Ramkalawan on his election and look forward to expanding cooperation on a wide range of mutual interests including maritime security, good governance, and fighting drug abuse, piracy, and terrorism.   Secretary Pompeo Travels to India to Advance U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership 10/25/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo Travels to India to Advance U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership 10/25/2020 12:21 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson “Let’s seize this moment to deepen cooperation between two of the world’s greatest democracies.” – U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, July 22, 2020 Secretary Michael R. Pompeo will travel to New Delhi, India, October 26-27, 2020, where he and Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper will meet with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Secretary Pompeo will also meet with Prime Minister Modi and hold discussions with other government and business leaders on ways to advance the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.   THE U.S.-INDIA RELATIONSHIP: ROOTED IN DEMOCRATIC TRADITIONS AND GROWING IN NEW STRATEGIC DIMENSIONS The United States and India have a strong and growing bilateral relationship built on shared values and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, the United States and India enjoy deeply rooted democratic traditions. The growth in the partnership reflects a deepening strategic convergence on a range of issues. Our cooperation is expanding in important areas including health, infrastructure development, energy, aviation, science, and space. Holding the third U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in just over two years demonstrates high-level commitment to our shared diplomatic and security objectives. President Trump made a historic visit to India earlier this year, speaking in Ahmedabad before over 100,000 people. Secretary Pompeo’s visit marks the fourth visit to India by a Secretary of State during the Trump Administration.   INDIA IS A REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEADER As outlined in our National Security Strategy, the United States welcomes India’s emergence as a leading regional and global power. The United States looks forward to collaborating closely with India during its upcoming term on the UN Security Council. The recent Quadrilateral Ministerial meeting in Tokyo convened by Secretary Pompeo and his counterparts from India, Japan, and Australia, demonstrated the strong cooperative ties among Indo-Pacific democracies interested in strengthening a rules-based order in which all nations are sovereign, strong, and prosperous. The Quad has proven to be an effective multilateral mechanism, helping to create resilient supply chains, promote transparency, counter disinformation, and increase maritime security. India, with its large economy, strong support for entrepreneurship and innovation, and its growing international trade, is one of the world’s leading economic powers and is well positioned to promote our shared vision for a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific where all nations can prosper.   OUR DEFENSE AND SECURITY COOPERATION IS INCREASINGLY STRONG We are expanding cooperation between our two militaries. This includes our navies, which play a critical role in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. In July 2020, the Indian Navy successfully completed a passing exercise with the U.S. Navy as the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group transited through the Indian Ocean Region. In 2019, the U.S. and India held their first-ever tri-service exercise, Tiger Triumph, in which the U.S. Navy and Marines, Air Force, and Army participated in a bilateral exercise with their Indian counterparts. The United States welcomes Australia joining the Malabar naval exercise alongside India and Japan. Defense trade has increased significantly over the past two decades. India maintains the largest fleets of C-17 and P-8 aircraft outside of the United States, and as of 2020 the United States has authorized more than $20 billion in defense sales to India. The United States and India enjoy robust defense industrial cooperation. Through the U.S.- India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative, the United States and India work together on co-production and co-development of defense equipment.   OUR PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES: AN UNBREAKABLE BOND OF FRIENDSHIP Indian students enrich our universities and colleges, contribute to the American economy, and build lifelong bonds with Americans. The number of Indian students studying in the United States has increased five years in a row, more than doubling from 96,000 students in the 2012- 13 academic year to more than 200,000 in 2018-19. The Indian diaspora in the United States is nearly four million strong. More than 50,000 Indian-Americans gathered in Houston over a year ago to attend the “Howdy Modi” rally, the largest-ever gathering with a foreign political leader in the United States. The Fulbright-Nehru Program is central to fulfilling the February 2020 commitment by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi to increase higher education collaboration. Since its creation 70 years ago, the program has awarded more than 10,000 Fulbright scholarships and nearly 9,000 other awards to U.S. and Indian students, scholars, and professionals. In 2019, the U.S. Department of State launched Partnership 2020 to fund fifteen research partnerships between American and Indian higher education institutions in key 21st century fields such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and public health. In 2021, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will expand the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in India in support of the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative. AWE will help women develop the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses. Public Schedule – October 25, 2020 10/25/2020 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – October 25, 2020 10/25/2020 12:48 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***    SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO    Secretary Pompeo is on travel to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia, from October 25-30, 2020. Please click here for more information. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Statement 10/25/2020 You are subscribed to Europe and Eurasia for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Statement 10/25/2020 03:43 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The text of the following joint statement was released by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group on October 25, 2020.  Begin Text:  Washington D.C., 25 October, 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) released the following statement today: The Co-Chairs met in Washington D.C. on October 24 with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and also participated in a joint meeting with the Foreign Ministers and U.S. Deputy Foreign Minister Stephen Biegun.  The Personal Representative of the OSCE’s Chairman in Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk, also participated in the meetings. The Co-Chairs urged the sides to take immediate steps to implement all aspects of the October 10 Moscow Joint Statement in accordance with their commitments, noting that they had reaffirmed these commitments with Paris on October 18.  The Co-Chairs also reminded the sides of the October 1, 2020 joint statement of United States President Donald J. Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the October 5 joint statement of Secretary of State of the United States of America Michael R. Pompeo, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, calling on the sides to cease hostilities immediately and to resume substantive negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. During their intensive discussions, the Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers discussed implementing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, possible parameters for monitoring the ceasefire, and initiating discussion of core substantive elements of a comprehensive solution, in accordance with the October 10 Joint Statement.  The Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers agreed to meet again in Geneva on October 29 to discuss, reach agreement on, and begin implementation, in accordance with a timeline to be agreed upon, of all steps necessary to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with the basic principles accepted by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia. End text. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Statement 10/25/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Statement 10/25/2020 03:43 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The text of the following joint statement was released by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group on October 25, 2020.  Begin Text:  Washington D.C., 25 October, 2020 – The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) released the following statement today: The Co-Chairs met in Washington D.C. on October 24 with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and also participated in a joint meeting with the Foreign Ministers and U.S. Deputy Foreign Minister Stephen Biegun.  The Personal Representative of the OSCE’s Chairman in Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk, also participated in the meetings. The Co-Chairs urged the sides to take immediate steps to implement all aspects of the October 10 Moscow Joint Statement in accordance with their commitments, noting that they had reaffirmed these commitments with Paris on October 18.  The Co-Chairs also reminded the sides of the October 1, 2020 joint statement of United States President Donald J. Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the October 5 joint statement of Secretary of State of the United States of America Michael R. Pompeo, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, calling on the sides to cease hostilities immediately and to resume substantive negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. During their intensive discussions, the Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers discussed implementing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, possible parameters for monitoring the ceasefire, and initiating discussion of core substantive elements of a comprehensive solution, in accordance with the October 10 Joint Statement.  The Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers agreed to meet again in Geneva on October 29 to discuss, reach agreement on, and begin implementation, in accordance with a timeline to be agreed upon, of all steps necessary to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with the basic principles accepted by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia. End text. U.S.-Armenia-Azerbaijan Joint Statement 10/25/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. U.S.-Armenia-Azerbaijan Joint Statement 10/25/2020 03:39 PM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Republic of Armenia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 25, 2020.  Begin Text:  Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on October 24, 2020 and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to implement and abide by the humanitarian ceasefire agreed in Moscow on October 10, which were reaffirmed in the statement issued from Paris on October 17, in accordance with the October 1, 2020 joint statement of United States President Donald J. Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.  The humanitarian ceasefire will take effect at 08:00 a.m. local time (12:00 a.m. EDT) on October 26, 2020.  The United States facilitated intensive negotiations among the Foreign Ministers and the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to move Armenia and Azerbaijan closer to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. End text. Austria National Day 10/26/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Austria National Day 10/26/2020 12:05 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and the American people, I offer best wishes to all Austrians on the 65th anniversary of your National Day. Austria is an indispensable partner in advancing human rights, generating prosperity, and ensuring peace and security in Europe and around the world.  I witnessed your dedication to these shared values during my visit to Vienna in August when I met with President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Kurz and his ministers, and inaugurated one of the two U.S.-Austria Friendship Trams – a symbol of our lasting relationship.  Our two nations enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation, which will continue to flourish as we together fight COVID-19 and confront new challenges. As the people of Austria celebrate this anniversary, I congratulate you and look forward to expanding our ties and deepening our alliance. Austria National Day 10/26/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Austria National Day 10/26/2020 12:05 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and the American people, I offer best wishes to all Austrians on the 65th anniversary of your National Day. Austria is an indispensable partner in advancing human rights, generating prosperity, and ensuring peace and security in Europe and around the world.  I witnessed your dedication to these shared values during my visit to Vienna in August when I met with President Van der Bellen, Chancellor Kurz and his ministers, and inaugurated one of the two U.S.-Austria Friendship Trams – a symbol of our lasting relationship.  Our two nations enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation, which will continue to flourish as we together fight COVID-19 and confront new challenges. As the people of Austria celebrate this anniversary, I congratulate you and look forward to expanding our ties and deepening our alliance. Public Schedule – October 26, 2020 10/26/2020 You are subscribed to Public Schedule for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Public Schedule – October 26, 2020 10/26/2020 07:49 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson ***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO  Secretary Pompeo is on travel to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia, from October 25-30, 2020. Please click here for more information. 7:00 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Pompeo meets with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam  Jaishankar, in New Delhi, India. (POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)  7:30 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Pompeo has dinner with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam  Jaishankar, in New Delhi, India. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)  DEPUTY SECRETARY STEPHEN E. BIEGUN  Deputy Secretary Biegun attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS DAVID HALE  Under Secretary Hale attends meetings and briefings, at the Department of State. UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT KEITH KRACH  Under Secretary Krach is on travel to Egypt, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bahrain, and United Arab Emirates from October 21-26, 2020. On the First Anniversary of the Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi  10/26/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. On the First Anniversary of the Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi  10/26/2020 10:29 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State One year ago the United States, in conjunction with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and our local Iraqi and Syrian partners, launched an operation that took out Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the founder and leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This followed the destruction of ISIS’s fraudulent territorial “caliphate” and was another major victory in the mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. We have been clear in our words and our actions that we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute. Baghdadi led the ISIS terrorist movement and inspired one of the most brutal and misguided terror campaigns in modern history. Since al-Baghdadi’s death the United States and our Coalition partners have continued to pursue any remaining ISIS leaders and fighters and bring them to justice. Our continued campaign against ISIS has kept the terrorist organization’s leadership in a constant state of disarray and disrupted ISIS’s ability to organize and plan attacks. While we celebrate this critical milestone in the fight against ISIS, the work of the Global Coalition is far from complete. ISIS remains a significant threat and it is vital that we keep continuous pressure on ISIS remnants in Iraq and Syria and strengthen our collective efforts to defeat ISIS’s branches and networks around the world, on which ISIS has increasingly focused attention since the defeat of the fraudulent caliphate. We remain committed to the Coalition and our mission to ensure a lasting defeat of ISIS.   On the First Anniversary of the Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi  10/26/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. On the First Anniversary of the Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi  10/26/2020 10:29 PM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State One year ago the United States, in conjunction with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and our local Iraqi and Syrian partners, launched an operation that took out Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the founder and leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This followed the destruction of ISIS’s fraudulent territorial “caliphate” and was another major victory in the mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. We have been clear in our words and our actions that we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute. Baghdadi led the ISIS terrorist movement and inspired one of the most brutal and misguided terror campaigns in modern history. Since al-Baghdadi’s death the United States and our Coalition partners have continued to pursue any remaining ISIS leaders and fighters and bring them to justice. Our continued campaign against ISIS has kept the terrorist organization’s leadership in a constant state of disarray and disrupted ISIS’s ability to organize and plan attacks. While we celebrate this critical milestone in the fight against ISIS, the work of the Global Coalition is far from complete. ISIS remains a significant threat and it is vital that we keep continuous pressure on ISIS remnants in Iraq and Syria and strengthen our collective efforts to defeat ISIS’s branches and networks around the world, on which ISIS has increasingly focused attention since the defeat of the fraudulent caliphate. We remain committed to the Coalition and our mission to ensure a lasting defeat of ISIS.   Secretary Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, And Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Opening Statements at the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 10/27/2020 You are subscribed to Secretary's Remarks for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, And Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Opening Statements at the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 10/27/2020 04:00 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State NEW DELHI, INDIA HYDERABAD HOUSE FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH:  (Via interpreter)  Mr. Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, Dr. Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense, my esteemed colleague Dr. S. Jaishankar, distinguished members of the two delegations, a very warm welcome to both of the secretaries and your delegations.  Thank you for traveling all the way to New Delhi when traveling is still considered quite risky. Thank you for your personal commitment to the India-USA partnership.  We are meeting today at an extraordinary time.  This pandemic is something that we have never experienced in our lifetime.  Our economies have suffered losses.  People have been affected by the pandemic, and a number of those have succumbed, which is a number that is far from insignificant.  We have implemented the whole-of-government approach to take industrial and service outputs back to normalcy.  We are providing relief to all those badly impacted by the pandemic.  We have to quickly make up for the losses as economic downturn will have both domestic and external consequences. Excellencies, in the area of defense we are challenged by reckless aggression on our northern borders – (inaudible). SECRETARY POMPEO:  Thank you very much.  It’s an honor to be here with you (inaudible) for the third 2+2 (inaudible) all three.  Our friendship and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific was clearly, clearly highly on display when we were in Tokyo this past week and a half for the Quad meeting that Minister Jaishankar and I had with our Australian and Japanese friends earlier this month. Today is real opportunity for two great democracies like ours to grow closer, as I said on my trip to India last year when I called for a new age of ambition in our relationship.  I think we’ve delivered on that over this past year.  There is much more work to do for sure. We have a lot to discuss today, from cooperating on defeating the pandemic that originated in Wuhan, to confronting the Chinese Communist Party’s threats to security and freedom, to promoting peace and stability throughout the region. Together our two countries are building a better future for our people based on our shared set of values and our cultures, our defense ties, our scientific collaboration, and mutual prosperity.  I thank you for your leadership to each of you to build what ought to be a defining partnership of democracies in the 21st century.  Thank you. SECRETARY ESPER:  Minister Singh, Minister Jaishankar, I am honored to be here with you alongside Secretary Pompeo for our third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.  Today we meet in the midst of public health, economic, and security challenges around the globe, which the partnership between our two nations has better prepared us to address and deter. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the first U.S.-India Defense Framework and our third 2+2 Ministerial.  We have strengthened our defense and security partnership considerably since then, especially over the past year, during which we advanced our regional security, military-to-military, and information-sharing cooperation.  Our focus now must be on institutionalizing and regularizing our cooperation to meet the challenges of the day and uphold the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific well into the future. Today I look forward to discussing key opportunities to expand our efforts on regional security concerns and to advance our defense priorities, to include increasing information sharing and mutual logistics operations between our militaries. To my Indian colleagues, thank you again for your gracious hospitality and friendship as we continue to strengthen this most consequential partnership between the world’s two largest democracies.  Thank you both. MINISTER JAISHANKAR:  (Inaudible) Secretary Pompeo, Secretary Esper, dear colleagues, it is a great pleasure to welcome the American delegation to India for the third 2+2 meeting between us.  As foreign minister, I attach great importance to this particular format of our interaction for three reasons. First, we live in a more uncertain world with much greater stresses and sharper fault lines.  For most countries, that means giving security a greater salience in their foreign policy.  As major powers, this is even more so in our case. Second, over the last two decades, our bilateral relationship has grown steadily in its substance, assets, and significance.  The accompanying comfort levels today enable us to engage much more intensively on matters of national security.  This format is clearly tailored for that purpose. Third, at a time when it is particularly important to uphold a rules-based international order, the ability of India and the United States to work closely in defense and foreign policy has a larger resonance. Together we can make a real difference when it comes to regional and global challenges, whether it is in respecting territorial integrity, promoting maritime domain awareness, counterterrorism, or creating prosperity.  I am therefore looking forward to our discussions today, and I am sure they will be very productive and fruitful.  Thank you.   Secretary Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, And Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Opening Statements at the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 10/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh, And Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Opening Statements at the U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 10/27/2020 04:00 AM EDT Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State NEW DELHI, INDIA HYDERABAD HOUSE FOREIGN MINISTER SINGH:  (Via interpreter)  Mr. Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State, Dr. Mark Esper, Secretary of Defense, my esteemed colleague Dr. S. Jaishankar, distinguished members of the two delegations, a very warm welcome to both of the secretaries and your delegations.  Thank you for traveling all the way to New Delhi when traveling is still considered quite risky. Thank you for your personal commitment to the India-USA partnership.  We are meeting today at an extraordinary time.  This pandemic is something that we have never experienced in our lifetime.  Our economies have suffered losses.  People have been affected by the pandemic, and a number of those have succumbed, which is a number that is far from insignificant.  We have implemented the whole-of-government approach to take industrial and service outputs back to normalcy.  We are providing relief to all those badly impacted by the pandemic.  We have to quickly make up for the losses as economic downturn will have both domestic and external consequences. Excellencies, in the area of defense we are challenged by reckless aggression on our northern borders – (inaudible). SECRETARY POMPEO:  Thank you very much.  It’s an honor to be here with you (inaudible) for the third 2+2 (inaudible) all three.  Our friendship and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific was clearly, clearly highly on display when we were in Tokyo this past week and a half for the Quad meeting that Minister Jaishankar and I had with our Australian and Japanese friends earlier this month. Today is real opportunity for two great democracies like ours to grow closer, as I said on my trip to India last year when I called for a new age of ambition in our relationship.  I think we’ve delivered on that over this past year.  There is much more work to do for sure. We have a lot to discuss today, from cooperating on defeating the pandemic that originated in Wuhan, to confronting the Chinese Communist Party’s threats to security and freedom, to promoting peace and stability throughout the region. Together our two countries are building a better future for our people based on our shared set of values and our cultures, our defense ties, our scientific collaboration, and mutual prosperity.  I thank you for your leadership to each of you to build what ought to be a defining partnership of democracies in the 21st century.  Thank you. SECRETARY ESPER:  Minister Singh, Minister Jaishankar, I am honored to be here with you alongside Secretary Pompeo for our third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.  Today we meet in the midst of public health, economic, and security challenges around the globe, which the partnership between our two nations has better prepared us to address and deter. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the first U.S.-India Defense Framework and our third 2+2 Ministerial.  We have strengthened our defense and security partnership considerably since then, especially over the past year, during which we advanced our regional security, military-to-military, and information-sharing cooperation.  Our focus now must be on institutionalizing and regularizing our cooperation to meet the challenges of the day and uphold the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific well into the future. Today I look forward to discussing key opportunities to expand our efforts on regional security concerns and to advance our defense priorities, to include increasing information sharing and mutual logistics operations between our militaries. To my Indian colleagues, thank you again for your gracious hospitality and friendship as we continue to strengthen this most consequential partnership between the world’s two largest democracies.  Thank you both. MINISTER JAISHANKAR:  (Inaudible) Secretary Pompeo, Secretary Esper, dear colleagues, it is a great pleasure to welcome the American delegation to India for the third 2+2 meeting between us.  As foreign minister, I attach great importance to this particular format of our interaction for three reasons. First, we live in a more uncertain world with much greater stresses and sharper fault lines.  For most countries, that means giving security a greater salience in their foreign policy.  As major powers, this is even more so in our case. Second, over the last two decades, our bilateral relationship has grown steadily in its substance, assets, and significance.  The accompanying comfort levels today enable us to engage much more intensively on matters of national security.  This format is clearly tailored for that purpose. Third, at a time when it is particularly important to uphold a rules-based international order, the ability of India and the United States to work closely in defense and foreign policy has a larger resonance. Together we can make a real difference when it comes to regional and global challenges, whether it is in respecting territorial integrity, promoting maritime domain awareness, counterterrorism, or creating prosperity.  I am therefore looking forward to our discussions today, and I am sure they will be very productive and fruitful.  Thank you.   Highlights of 2020 U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 10/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Highlights of 2020 U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 10/27/2020 08:26 AM EDT Morgan Ortagus, Department Spokesperson Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper joined Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar for the third annual U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi, India.  The two nations welcomed the elevation of the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is vital to security and stability in the region and the world. During the meeting, Secretary Pompeo reaffirmed the increasingly close U.S.-India relationship and the shared goals among like-minded Indo-Pacific countries for regional security and prosperity.  The two nations welcomed the second Quad meeting, held at the Foreign Minister level on October 6, and looked forward to close collaboration during India’s upcoming term on the U.N. Security Council.  Secretary Pompeo and his counterparts reaffirmed U.S.-India healthcare collaboration to develop vaccines, therapeutics, and essential medical equipment. They welcomed an initiative to collaborate through an International Center of Excellence in Research focused on infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and other emerging threats.  They looked forward to an overarching Memorandum of Understanding to enhance health cooperation.  Secretary Pompeo and his counterparts also discussed increased cooperation on energy, space, sustainable financing for infrastructure development, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism, and looked forward to new collaboration in those areas.  The two sides reaffirmed the close bonds between our people and welcomed the inaugural Parliamentary exchange later this year. The Secretary and his counterparts also discussed ways to advance the 21st century defense partnership.  They welcomed increased cooperation between the U.S. and Indian militaries by expanding information-sharing, defense trade, joint service coordination, and interoperability. They also welcomed increased bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including the upcoming MALABAR naval exercise.  Both sides welcomed the conclusion of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement to expand geospatial information sharing between our armed forces and committed to the exchange of additional liaison officers. On behalf of the United States, Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Esper extended a warm invitation to their Indian counterparts for the next U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, to be hosted in Washington, D.C.  The leaders looked forward to another year of close cooperation between our countries to further advance the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi 10/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi 10/27/2020 08:21 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown: Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, jointly with Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper, met today with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India.  Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the warm and close relationship between our countries, which is rooted in our vibrant democratic traditions and fostered by strong ties between our citizens.  Secretary Pompeo and Prime Minister Modi discussed several issues of regional and global concern on which the United States and India collaborate, including COVID-19 response, security and defense cooperation, and shared interests in a free and open Indo-Pacific.  The Secretary and the Prime Minister pledged to further strengthen the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership to better ensure the security and prosperity of both countries, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world. Secretary Pompeo’s Calls with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev 10/27/2020 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Secretary Pompeo’s Calls with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev 10/27/2020 09:48 AM EDT Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev separately. Secretary Pompeo pressed the leaders to abide by their commitments to cease hostilities and pursue a diplomatic solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, and noted that there is no military solution to this conflict.  The Secretary stressed the importance of fully implementing the ceasefire agreed in Moscow on October 10 and reaffirmed in the statement issued from Paris on October 17, in accordance with the October 1, 2020 joint statement of United States President Donald J. 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