New Delhi:  Much hope is being rested at the day long and crucial first 2 Plus 2 Indo-US Dialogue to be held here on Thursday.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

“Elevating and strengthening our strategic partnership! EAM Sushma Swaraj welcomed US Secretary of State Mr Pompeo ahead of bilateral talks,” tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar along with the photograph of the leaders.

Earlier, kicking off a day long interaction and crucial bilateral talks between India and the United States, the visiting Secretary Defence James Mattis and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held bilateral meeting here.

Later in the day, there would be delegation level talks.

The US delegation is is Delhi to take part in the first 2 Plus 2 Indo-US Dialogue.

Wide range of issues including defence, issues concerning regional and global security and oil import from Iran and Indo-Pacific matters will figure prominently at the talks.