US Defense Minister Lloyd J. Austin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of his visit to India today. PM Modi welcomed the close Indo-US relations. During this meeting, the Prime Minister also mentioned the thinking of his government which emphasizes the important role of bilateral defense cooperation. He also conveyed his best wishes to US President Joe Biden through Austin. After meeting PM Modi, the US Defense Minister has also talked to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
PM Modi tweeted – ” Pleasure to meet U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good.”
US Defense Minister Austin also reiterated the US government’s commitment to strengthen bilateral defense relations between the two countries. He also stated the strong desire of the US to enhance strategic partnerships for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier, US Defense Minister Lloyd J. Austin arrived in India on a three-day tour on Friday. His arrival is aimed at further strengthening bilateral defense and security relations in view of China’s increasing aggression in the region, including the Indo-Pacific. India is the third stop in a three-nation tour during Austin’s first overseas trip. His visit is seen as a strong commitment by (US President) Joe Biden administration to his close allies and partners in the region.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement that during the meeting, Modi outlined his vision for a strategic partnership between the two countries and emphasized the important role of bilateral defense cooperation in Indo-US relations.
The statement said the Prime Minister asked Austin to wish US President Joe Biden on his behalf.
It added that the Prime Minister welcomed the strong and close ties between the two countries based on shared values based on democracy, pluralism and rules.
“Austin reiterated the continued commitment of the US government to strengthen bilateral defense relations between the two countries,” the statement said. He expressed a desire to enhance strategic partnership for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. “
