Washington, Dec 18 (AFP/APP): The United States and India meet Wednesday in their latest bid to ramp up defense and political ties, but concerns over minority rights in the south Asian giant could mar the celebratory mood. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper will hold a day of talks in Washington with their counterparts from India, one of only three countries to enjoy annual so-called “2+2” talks with the United States — a format meant to encourage deep, strategic relations. The talks come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bolstered by a convincing election win earlier this year, increasingly looks to solidify ties between the world’s two largest democracies. But India has been facing significant criticism for the first time since the Cold War rivals began building relations two decades ago as Modi pushes ahead with his Hindu nationalist agenda. “We are working together more closely than many thought possible only a few years ago,” said Alice Wells, the top US diplomat for South Asia. The United States will seek ways with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to boost cooperation on peacekeeping, judicial training, space and science, Wells said. The 2+2 talks … Continue reading US, India look to bolster ties as rights worries emerge