Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on November 21, to discuss progress in the India-US defence partnership. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the meeting in an official release.
Both leaders commended the advancements in operational coordination, information-sharing, and industrial innovation within the bilateral defence relationship. They emphasized the success of the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, which includes initiatives for co-production arrangements involving jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.
During the discussions, Rajnath Singh referred to his successful visit to the United States in August 2024, where two significant agreements were finalized: the Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the deployment of Liaison Officers. Singh acknowledged these agreements as critical steps in strengthening defence cooperation.
The meeting also addressed regional stability, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders highlighted initiatives such as the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, and the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project. These programs aim to enhance civilian response capabilities to natural disasters across the region.
The two leaders discussed fostering defence innovation through collaboration between governments, businesses, and academic institutions under the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem. They agreed to increase funding opportunities, joint challenges, and visibility to drive innovation further.
In a show of mutual appreciation, Singh expressed gratitude to Secretary Austin for his role in deepening the defence partnership. In a post on X, Singh described Austin as a “great friend to India” and commended his exemplary contributions to bilateral relations. “It is always a matter of immense joy to meet my friend, Lloyd Austin. He has been a great friend to India. His contribution towards strengthening the India-US defence partnership has been exemplary. I wish him the very best in all his future endeavours,” Singh wrote.
This meeting underscores the growing convergence in strategic interests and the deepening military partnership between India and the United States, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Sources By Agencies