National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a meeting in New Delhi to exchange ideas on various mutual interests. The leaders emphasized cooperation in specific niche technologies within the maritime, military, and aerospace domains to enhance capabilities.
The discussions also revolved around technology transfer from the US to India, co-production, and the development of indigenous capacities, aligning with India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Another key point of discussion was the importance of ensuring that countries in different regions, including the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, maintain their freedom of action and are not coerced into making unfavorable choices.
Doval and Austin underscored the significance of trusted sources of supply, resilient supply chains, and fostering industry-to-industry partnerships. They agreed to approach global challenges strategically through whole government efforts and strengthen people-to-people and societal relations.
Austin, who is on a two-day tour to New Delhi, also held extensive talks with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. He announced plans to establish an ambitious roadmap for defense-industrial cooperation, highlighting the India-US global strategic partnership as the cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The US Defense Secretary’s visit to India coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit to Washington, signifying the growing partnership between the two nations.
