US Secretary of Defence Lloyd James Austin III and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh throughout their joint assertion press convention at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday stated that talks with visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin “were very comprehensive and fruitful”. In a joint assertion issued right here after the assembly, Singh stated that the talks centered on military-to-military engagement, data sharing and logistics help amongst others points. He stated that they decided to realise full potential of India-US world strategic partnership.
“We reviewed bilateral and multilateral exercises,” Rajnath Singh stated, including that they agreed to expand cooperation between Indian army and US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command & Africa Command. Singh added that talks additionally centered on steps to implement bilateral defence pacts with the US comparable to LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement), COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement).
“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,” Singh stated in his assertion to the media.
“India is committed to further strengthen its robust defence partnership with the US,” he stated. “We hope to make Indo-US relationship as one of the defining partnerships of 21st century.”
Singh additionally stated the current summit of leaders of India, the US, Japan and Australia beneath the Quad framework emphasised the resolve to keep a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area. The Indian Defence Minister additionally invited the US defence business to reap the benefits of India’s liberalised FDI insurance policies in defence sector.Â
In his feedback, Secretary Austin stated that India is an more and more vital companion in right this moment’s quickly altering worldwide dynamics. He reaffirmed the dedication by the US to a complete and forward-looking defence partnership with India as a “central pillar” of its strategy to the area. He additionally described the India-US relationship as a “stronghold” of a free and open Indo-Pacific area.Â
“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,” Austin, who arrived right here on Friday as a part of his three-nation first abroad tour, stated.
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