New Delhi, Aug. 27 -- Indian and US officials held a 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue on Monday, advancing bilateral initiatives, reviewing regional security, and sharing perspectives on common strategic priorities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday evening.

The talks mark the first officially acknowledged bilateral engagement between New Delhi and Washington since tensions escalated over the US decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in retaliation for India's purchase of Russian oil. The tariffs will come into effect Wednesday.

Both sides also agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, including the signing of a new ten-year Framework for the India-US Major Defense Partnership.

They reaffirmed their...