New Delhi, June 27: The much anticipated '2-2 dialogue' between India and the United States of America has been postponed due to "unavoidable reasons", the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday.

The dialogue, which was expected to feature bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and their US counterparts - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis - was scheduled on July 6 in Washington.

According to MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, the fresh postponement in dialogue dates was proposed by the US.

“US @SecPompeo sought EAM @SushmaSwaraj understanding, and they agreed to identify new mutually convenient dates to hold the Dialogue at the earliest, in India or the US (sic),” Kumar said.

The '2+2 dialogue' was contemplated after the US Congress elevated India as 'Major Defence Partner' in December 2016.

After several rounds of deliberations, the dates for first-ever bilateral dialogue was confirmed in April this year. However, the sudden ouster of the then Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, by President Donald Trump delayed the meeting.

The purpose of the 2+2 dialogue was to “focus on strengthening strategic, security, and defense cooperation as the United States and India jointly confront global challenges”," said MEA officials privy to the case.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 28, 2018 12:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).