Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh at the Pentagon, where he praised the momentum behind the U.S.-India relationship. The two officials discussed increased cooperation on defense issues, including efforts to strengthen critical supply chains and interoperability between their militaries. Austin highlighted the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and emphasized the growing strength of defense cooperation between the two countries. He also noted India’s participation in the Rim of the Pacific exercise led by the U.S. Navy, showcasing increased operational cooperation across all domains.
Singh echoed Austin’s sentiments, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the growing cooperation between the U.S. and India. He mentioned the strong people-to-people ties, shared democratic values, and the convergence of interests on various issues. The defense minister’s remarks underscored the depth and breadth of the relationship between the two countries, spanning all areas of human endeavor. The meeting between Austin and Singh followed the finalization of an agreement aimed at addressing unanticipated supply chain issues to meet national security needs, further solidifying the partnership.
The nonbinding “security of supply” arrangement between the U.S. and India represents a significant development in their major defense partner relationship. The agreement outlines priority support for goods and services that promote national defense, ensuring a more secure and resilient supply chain for both countries. Vic Ramdass, principal secretary of defense of industrial base policy, highlighted the importance of this arrangement in strengthening the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative. He expressed anticipation for future meetings to deepen cooperation between the defense industrial bases of both countries and pursue joint development, production, and sustainment initiatives.
Overall, the meeting between Secretary of Defense Austin and Indian Defense Minister Singh reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between the U.S. and India. The discussions focused on enhancing defense cooperation, improving supply chain resilience, and promoting interoperability between the two militaries. The recently finalized “security of supply” arrangement underscores the commitment to supporting each other’s national defense needs and advancing bilateral defense technology and trade initiatives. The meeting outcomes set the stage for further collaboration and joint efforts to address regional and global security challenges, underscoring the strategic importance of the U.S.-India relationship.
