New Delhi: Amidst ongoing tension between the US and Iran following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani last week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday shared India’s stakes, interests and concerns in the West Asian Region with US Secretary of Defence Mark T Esper.
At the same time, Mr Singh also affirmed the Indian government’s resolve to further expand security cooperation with the US.
“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recieved a telephone call from US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper today. The minister conveyed New Year greetings to him. Both resolved to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation,” a defence official said.
“Secretary Esper briefed the minister about the recent developments in the Gulf Region,” the official added.
“We expressed firm resolve to strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation. He (Esper) also briefed me about the recent developments in the Gulf Region. I shared India's concerns and interests in the region," Mr Singh said in a tweet.
Earlier, the minister had discussion with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono on to enhance bilateral security cooperation. They also discussed the emerging regional security situation in the wake of escalation between the US and Iran.
