Rajnath holds talks with US Defence Secretary ahead of PM Modi’s visit to Washington

Visiting US defence secretary Lloyd Austin has held talks with defence minister Rajnath Singh covering a wide canvass including developments in the Indo-Pacific region, Indo-US military industry partnership ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington.

During PM Modi’s presence in Washington, the deal for GE-414 engines for Tejas fighter jets could be signed.

The US Defence Secretary, who arrived in India a day ago on a two-day long visit earlier today inspected the Tri-Services Guard of Honour in the presence of Defence Minister at the Manekshaw Centre in the national capital.

Ahead of his meeting, the US Defence Secretary presented Guard of Honour at South Block.

Earlier senior officials received the Defence Secretary as he de-planed on his arrival in New Delhi.

Following his arrival, the US Defence Secretary tweeted: “I’m returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our Major Defence Partnership.” “Together, we’re advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
In an earlier statement, the Pentagon, had detailed Austin’s engagements in Singapore, India and France. “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.”
“This visit provides an opportunity to accelerate new defence innovation and industrial cooperation initiatives and drive ongoing efforts to expand operational cooperation between the US and Indian militaries,” it said.
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