Top defence officials from India and the United States have pledged to expand their military engagement, underscoring the strengthening defence ties between two countries concerned over China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met in New Delhi on Saturday and agreed to deepen defence co-operation, intelligence sharing and logistics.
"India is an increasingly important partner in rapidly shifting international dynamics. I reaffirm our commitment to a comprehensive forward-looking defence partnership with India as a central pillar of our approach to the Indo-Pacific region," Austin said.
Austin is making the first visit to India by a top member of President Joe Biden's administration. His visit follows a meeting last week between leaders of Australia, India, Japan and the United States, which together make up the four Indo-Pacific nations known as the Quad.
The Quad is seen as a counterweight to China, who critics say is flexing its military muscle in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Taiwan Strait and along its northern border with India.
China has called the Quad an attempt to contain its ambitions.
Austin's Indian counterpart, Singh, said the talks were focused on "expanding military-to-military engagement".
"We are determined to realise the full potential of comprehensive global strategic partnership," Singh said.
Austin arrived in New Delhi on Friday and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national security adviser Ajit Doval.
Australian Associated Press
