The U.S.-India meetings in New Delhi underscored commitment to bilateral ties amid global challenges, emphasizing defense cooperation and regional resilience. The visit strengthens collaboration, enhances technology partnerships, and reinforces regional security goals.

FREMONT, CA: The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in discussions with their Indian counterparts in New Delhi as part of an Asian tour,  underscoring the ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration between the US and India, spanning emerging technologies, defense initiatives, and people-to-people connections, aligning diplomatic strategies for a free, open, prosperous, and ressilientIndo-pacific region.

In the meetings with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi,  Blinken reaffirmed their shared vision for a close partnership in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing collaboration on addressing ongoing global crises.

The defense aspect of the discussions involved Defense Secretary Austin and his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, focusing on a roadmap for defense industrial cooperation to expedite technology collaboration and co-production of defense systems. Austin highlighted the integration of industrial bases, strengthening interoperability, and sharing cutting-edge technology. The U.S. expects India to lead as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit builds upon the defense policy guide adopted during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US, outlining collaboration in producing advanced defense systems and joint research and testing of prototypes. Agreements were reached to enable General Electric and India-based Hindustan Aeronautics to produce jet engines for Indian aircraft in India, along with the sale of U.S.-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. The joint statement at the conclusion of the visit reaffirmed the commitment to defense-industrial cooperation, aiming to strengthen India's capabilities, enhance defense production, facilitate technology-sharing, and promote supply chain resilience.

The meetings between U.S. and Indian officials in New Delhi showcased a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The discussions spanned various domains, from defense cooperation to addressing regional issues, with an emphasis on fostering a resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The visit builds upon existing defense agreements, marking a significant step in deepening collaboration, enhancing technological partnerships, and reinforcing the shared vision for regional security. The joint statement underscores the commitment to defense-industrial cooperation, solidifying the foundation for a robust and enduring strategic partnership.