Rajnath Singh to meet US Defence Secy Lloyd Austin to enhance defence partnership
This is the US Secretary of Defence's second visit to India. Previously, Austin visited India in March 2021, according to the Ministry of Defence press release.
PremiumDefence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to hold a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin today, focusing on strengthening the existing defence partnership between India and the United States.
The objective of this meeting is to further enhance collaboration and cooperation in the field of defence between the two nations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Austin are set to discuss in their talks on Monday General Electric's proposal to share technology with India for fighter jet engines and New Delhi's plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc besides other issues, PTI reported citing sources.
The Pentagon, providing further information regarding the visit of the Defence Secretary, stated that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral defence ties and cooperation between the United States and India. “After Singapore, Secretary Austin will visit New Delhi to meet with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders as the United States and India continue to modernize the US-India Major Defence Partnership."
India has expressed interest in domestic manufacturing of jet engines through technology transfer to enhance the capabilities of its fighter aircraft. In June 2016, the United States designated India as a "Major Defence Partner," which opened avenues for the sharing of crucial military equipment and technology between the two countries.
"This visit provides an opportunity to accelerate new defence innovation and industrial cooperation initiatives and drive ongoing efforts to expand operational cooperation between the U.S. and Indian militaries," the statement added.
The two countries have signed key defence and security pacts over the last few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.
The two sides also signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018, which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and the sale of high-end technology from the United States to India.
The US Defence Secretary wrote on Twitter, "I'm returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our Major Defense Partnership."
This is the US Secretary of Defence's second visit to India. Previously, Austin visited India in March 2021, according to the Ministry of Defence press release.
Lloyd Austin's visit to New Delhi will primarily emphasize the advancement of new defence innovation and industrial cooperation initiatives between India and the US. Additionally, the visit aims to build upon existing efforts to enhance operational cooperation between the military forces of both countries.
(With inputs from agencies)
"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels 🚀 Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
