On Tuesday, the second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue took place in New Delhi, highlighting the two countries' expanding strategic alliance. 

The Indian team was headed by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary for Europe West in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary for International Cooperation in the Ministry of Defence, as stated in a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs. Ben Mellor, Director of India, Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Shimon Fhima, Director of Strategic Programs, Ministry of Defense, represented the United Kingdom. Talks centred on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and emphasised the significance of maintaining high-level involvement to bolster the bilateral relationship. Both delegations discussed the progress made under the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and highlighted the importance of strengthening the partnership by exploring new areas of cooperation, according to the release. 

"The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi today. Co-chaired by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) & Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Ministry of Defence, India on the Indian side and Ben Mellor, Director Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office & Shimon Fhima, Strategic Operations Director, Ministry of Defence on the UK side. Both sides reviewed progress made in diverse areas of India-UK cooperation and discussed ways for further strengthening India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs. 

The top priorities included boosting economic and trade relations, with an emphasis on quickly finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that benefits both sides. Strengthening defence and security cooperation, especially in cyber security and counter-terrorism, was also a key focus. Additionally, there was an emphasis on encouraging innovation in new technologies, as well as focusing on clean energy and health, and improving cultural, educational, and people-to-people connections. The discussion also highlighted important progress in various areas, including projects like the Technology and Security Initiative, the UK-India Infrastructure Finance Bridge, the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership, and developments in the Defence Industrial Roadmap. Both sides recognised how these projects are crucial for strengthening cooperation and reaching common goals.

The dialogue also provided an opportunity to discuss global and regional issues. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. This focus highlights their shared strategic interests in tackling global challenges and promoting regional security. The discussion ended with an agreement to hold the third edition in the UK in 2025 at a date that works for both parties, strengthening their growing partnership.