US, India firm up ties to counter China aggression, Rajnath, Llyod hold talks

NT Bureau, Agencies

New Delhi: The India-US strategic partnership is characterised by mutual trust and both sides are increasingly in agreement on key issues, such as countering China's aggression, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional security challenges, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

Singh made the remarks at a bilateral meeting with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, that took place shortly after the conclusion of the fifth edition of the India-US "2+2" ministerial dialogue.

The defence minister's comments came amid the more-than-three-year border row between India and China in eastern Ladakh as well as concerns over the increasing forays by Chinese military ships into the Indian Ocean region.

"The India-US defence relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership characterised by mutual trust, shared values and a growing recognition of common interests in maintaining regional and global security," Singh said in his opening comments at the bilateral talks.

"We increasingly find ourselves in agreement on strategic issues, including countering China's aggression, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional security challenges," he added.

"We share a focus on maritime security in the IndoPacific region. Recognising the criticality of safeguarding vital sea lanes and promoting stability, our teams are working on substantive outcomes," the defence minister said.

He said India and the United States are charting new pathways of cooperation by pursuing stronger defence ties, industrial engagement, easing of technology restrictions, boosting ties in the maritime domain and aiming to ensure resilient supply chains in all domains.

Singh and Austin drew up an agenda for future joint work for their teams, the defence ministry said. At a media briefing after the talks, Austin said two sides discussed the rising security challenges posed by China.