India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Engages in Bilateral Talks with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin

New Delhi, June 05 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of India and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin held a significant bilateral meeting in the national capital on Monday. The meeting was attended by US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti as well. Austin, who arrived in India for a two-day visit, inspected the Tri-Services Guard of Honour alongside Singh at the Manekshaw Centre. The visit is focused on advancing defence innovation, industrial cooperation, and operational collaboration between the two countries. The discussions aim to strengthen the US-India Major Defence Partnership and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The visit holds particular importance as it precedes Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit to Washington later this month. This marks Austin’s second visit to India, having previously visited in March 2021. After India, Austin will conclude his trip by participating in events commemorating the 79th anniversary of D-Day in France and meeting with defence leaders from France and the United Kingdom.