New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday (March 20, 2021) agreeing to pursue enhanced cooperation between the militaries of India, the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command.
Further, the 2 nations resolved to expand their international defence and safety cooperation together with military-to-military engagement, data sharing, logistics assist as each side vowed to work for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, the press notice launched by the PIB talked about.
“I am happy to inform that I had a comprehensive and fruitful discussion with Secretary Austin and his delegation. We are keen to work together to realise the full potential of the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership,” the assertion quoted Singh as saying.
He stated each side mentioned steps to realise the total potential of the LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement), COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) pacts.
Singh additionally stated the latest summit of leaders of India, the US, Japan and Australia underneath the Quad framework emphasised the resolve to preserve a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area.
Meanwhile, Secretary Austin reaffirmed US dedication to a complete and forward-looking defence partnership with India as a “central pillar” of its strategy to the area. He known as the India-US relationship as a “stronghold” of a free and open Indo-Pacific area.
“Singh and I had a very productive discussion…I wanted to convey the Biden-Harris administration’s message about our strong commitment to our allies and partners,” he stated.
Austin is on his first three-nation abroad tour because the US Defence Secretary of the not too long ago elected Joe Biden administration. He arrived in New Delhi on Friday and known as India is an more and more vital companion in as we speak’s quickly altering worldwide dynamics.