General Rawat meets US Defence Secretary Austin in Washington as part of growing military ties

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<strong>After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington for the Quad Summit, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin have held talks on advancing the India-US defence partnership in a meeting held at the Pentagon.</strong></p>
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The two leaders exchanged views on priorities to enhance the existing defence cooperation between the two countries, including through enhanced cooperation in new defence domains such as space, cyber, and emerging technologies.<br />
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"Secretary Austin underscored the US commitment to supporting the Indian Armed Forces’ transition toward greater institutional integration and operational jointness. They also discussed opportunities for expanding multilateral cooperation with regional partners," said Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby in a statement.<br />
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According to the US, this "historic meeting" highlights the enduring strength of the US-India Major Defence Partnership as the two countries work in concert with like-minded partners to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific.<br />
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General Rawat had earlier on Thursday met Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley in Washington.<br />
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The two military leaders discussed a range of issues, including ways to ensure regional security and their respective roles as principal military advisors to civilian leadership.<br />
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"The two leaders agreed to continued cooperation in training exercises and creating more opportunities to increase interoperability between the two militaries," said Joint Staff Spokesperson Colonel Dave Butler.<br />
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Milley's office said that the two countries share a strong military-to-military relationship under the US-India Major Defence Partnership, which supports a free and open Indo-Pacific.<br />
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General Rawat laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as part of his official visit and also visited Joint Base Lewis-McChord, discussing issues of bilateral defence cooperation with Major General Xavier Brunson, Commanding General of the US Army's I Corps.<br />
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