This resource tracked statements, developments, visits, and other interactions in US-Indo-Pacific relations under the President Trump administration. Special focus was given to the comments and activities of President Donald J. Trump; Vice President Mike Pence; United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer; Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Jr.; former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson; former Secretary of Defense James Mattis; and former Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Esper.
The Trump Administration & US - Indo-Pacific Relations
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President Trump's Remarks on Trade with China and Japan
"China is a far bigger problem. I’m being strong on China because I have to be. They’re taking $500 billion out a year. Can’t let that happen. Nobody has ever done what I’ve done. And the $200 billion we’re talking about could take place very soon, depending on what happens with them. To a certain extent, it’s going to be up to China.
But we’ve taxed them $50 billion — that’s on technology. Now, we’ve added another $200 billion. And I hate to say this…
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Secretary Mattis's Opening Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue
"In our two nations, as reservoirs of religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity, and as proud maritime peoples, we see the U.S.-India relationship as a natural partnership between the world’s two largest democracies, a partnership that is based on convergence of enduring strategic interests and shared respect for the rules-based order.
Our discussion today is a testament to the power of free peoples. I note that over seven decades ago this week, the United States established diplomatic relations with India, prior to its formal independence. Today…
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Secretary Pompeo's Meeting With Indian Foreign Minister Swaraj
"Secretary Pompeo met today in New Delhi, India with Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj ahead of the opening of the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. Secretary Pompeo and Minister Swaraj discussed joint efforts to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. The Secretary and Minister Swaraj also discussed efforts to expand the bilateral trade relationship, the importance of moving forward on civil-nuclear cooperation, and the goal of deepening people-to-people ties."
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Secretary Pompeo's Remarks on India and North Korea
North Korea
"So as I’ve said consistently as we’ve been continuing to work with the North Koreans to deliver on the world’s demands, the UN Security Council resolutions, which demand a number of things from North Korea and from no one else. There’s only country that has a commitment under those Security Council resolutions.
As I’ve said before, I’m not going to talk about ongoing negotiations, discussions that we’re having, with the North Koreans. We will work – we will continue to work with them to…
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Secretary Pompeo's Closing Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue
"This is my first trip to India as Secretary of State, and it is an honor to travel here for such an important and successful event. Later today, Secretary Mattis and I will meet with Prime Minister Modi. We look forward to discussing how best to advance the U.S.-India relationship, one that is in a new era of growth under his leadership and that of President Trump.
Today’s 2+2 meeting is symbolic of our increasingly close partnership. We had many productive and forward-thinking conversations on…
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Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis’ participation at the India 2+2 Dialogue
"On September 6, India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hosted Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mattis in New Delhi for the first U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue.
The 2+2 is a demonstrable signal of the U.S. and India’s shared commitment to a forward-looking strategic partnership based on shared values and strategic interests.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), an agreement that will deepen our interoperability and facilitate India’s access to advanced…
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Secretary Mattis's Closing Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue
"Since India gained its independence in 1947, our nations have shared a fundamental respect and love of freedom. Just three years after India’s independence, Prime Minister Nehru visited the United States – in his words, and I quote – “On a voyage of discovery of the mind and heart of America.” Today, Secretary Pompeo and I bring the same spirit that Prime Minister Nehru carried to Washington almost 70 years ago, promoting the cooperation which both our countries earnestly desire. Today’s successful and highly productive…
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Secretaries Pompeo and Mattis's Meeting With Indian Prime Minister Modi
"Today Secretary Pompeo, jointly with Secretary Mattis, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Secretary Pompeo conveyed the importance attached by President Trump to the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India, and U.S. support for India’s role as a leading global power and regional security provider. Secretary Pompeo discussed with Prime Minister Modi joint efforts to safeguard the Indo-Pacific as a region of peace, stability, and growing prosperity. Secretary Pompeo noted the important role people-to-people ties play in the bilateral relationship and…
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Joint Statement on the Inaugural U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
"The Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of India’s designation as a Major Defense Partner (MDP) of the United States and committed to expand the scope of India’s MDP status and take mutually agreed upon steps to strengthen defense ties further and promote better defense and security coordination and cooperation. They noted the rapid growth in bilateral defense trade and the qualitative improvement in levels of technology and equipment offered by the United States to India in recent years. They welcomed the inclusion of India by…
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Secretary Pompeo's Opening Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue
"I am delighted to be making my first trip to India as the Secretary of State now 16 weeks into my time, and especially because I’m here for this important first 2+2 Strategic Dialogue between our two countries. It is a clear demonstration the United States places in terms of priority on the relationship between the United States and India.
Our partnership has been steadily growing since Prime Minister Modi visited the White House last June. President Trump is eager for it to continue, and…