Rajnath Singh addressing members of the Indian community in the Indian embassy in Washington. (Photo: X/@rajnathsingh)
New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, has embarked on a four-day visit to the United States, aimed at bolstering the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Invited by the US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, Singh’s visit is seen as a sign of the growing momentum in bilateral defence engagements between New Delhi and Washington.
Upon his arrival in Washington, Singh was warmly received by senior US officials. His itinerary includes high-level meetings with Austin and the US national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing defence cooperation, with key topics including the procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, joint manufacturing of Stryker infantry combat vehicles, and co-production of GE F414 engines in India.
In Washington, Singh addressed the Indian diaspora at the Indian embassy, where he highlighted the robust and evolving nature of India-US relations. He said, “Our partnership with the United States is a cornerstone of our foreign policy. The defence cooperation between our nations has reached unprecedented levels, reflecting our shared commitment to global security and stability.”
Had a lively interaction with the Indian community at Washington DC. It’s heartwarming to see how the Indian community continues to cherish and uphold their cultural values and maintain their connection to their roots. pic.twitter.com/4qPFfzNwmX
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 23, 2024
In his remarks, Singh addressed ongoing regional security challenges, noting that India and the US are united in their efforts to combat terrorism and address threats posed by non-state actors. He praised the strategic partnership as a pivotal element in fostering regional peace and stability and urged continued collaboration in the field of defence technology and intelligence sharing.
Singh also emphasized the strategic importance of the visit, noting that it comes at a time when both nations are seeking to deepen their defence ties. He said, “This visit is not just about strengthening our military capabilities but also about fostering innovation and collaboration in defence technology.”
The defence minister’s agenda includes a high-level roundtable with the leaders of the US defence industry where they are expected to discuss the ongoing joint projects and explore future collaborations. This meeting is expected to pave the way for new initiatives in defence manufacturing and technology transfer, further solidifying the defence partnership between the two countries.
Pentagon officials have also echoed Singh’s sentiments. The Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, affirmed the strong military-to-military relationship between India and the US. “Our cooperation has deepened significantly, and we look forward to further strengthening this partnership,” she said.
Singh’s visit is also seen as an effort to boost the shared vision of both nations for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific and enhance cooperation in realizing common objectives in the region.
