New Delhi: US Defence secretary Lloyd J Austin III met his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Saturday and discussed strengthening and elevating defence ties between the two countries. Singh told reporters India is committed to further strengthen its robust defence partnership with the US.
India is an increasingly important partner in rapidly shifting international dynamics. I reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive forward-looking defense partnership with India as a central pillar of our approach to the Indo-Pacific region,” Austin said.
“Our relationship is a stronghold of free & open Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi stated India stands for freedom of navigation & freedom of overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce in adherence to international law. This reaffirms our shared vision for regional security,” his statement read.
Austin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday. Before meeting Singh, he visited the National War Memorial to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony.
Rajnath Singh said, “I am happy to say that we had comprehensive and fruitful talks with Secretary Austin and his delegation. We are determined to realise full potential of comprehensive global strategic partnership. Talks focussed on wide-ranging defence cooperation, expanding military to military engagement, info sharing and cooperation in emerging areas of defence and mutual logistics support.”
Austin landed in Delhi on Friday and is on a three-day visit to India, which will end on Sunday.
Officials with information on Austin’s travel said that India’s plan to buy about 30 multi-mission armed Predator drones from the US at a cost of more than three billion dollars (estimated) is also expected to be discussed between Austin and Singh. The US Defense Secretary is visiting India a few days after taking a pledge to increase mutual cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region at the Quad Group meeting. This group of four countries includes India, America, Japan and Australia.