Rajnath Singh and Lloyd Austin Discuss India-US Defence Partnership at ASEAN Meeting
Rajnath Singh and Lloyd Austin Discuss India-US Defence Partnership
Meeting at ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in Laos
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J Austin in Vientiane, Laos, during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. They discussed the progress in the India-US defence partnership, focusing on increased cooperation in defence operations, information sharing, and industrial innovation.
Statements from the Leaders
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating, "Great meeting with Indian Defense Minister Singh in Laos. We're deepening our defence ties, from building interoperability through exercises like MALABAR to technology innovation through INDUS-X." Rajnath Singh also shared his thoughts, highlighting Austin's role in strengthening the partnership.
Key Points of Discussion
The Ministry of Defence outlined the meeting's key points, including advancements under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap. This includes co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems. Singh recalled his visit to the US in August 2024, where significant agreements like the Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA) were signed.
Future Initiatives
Both leaders emphasized the importance of initiatives such as the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) and a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project. They also supported growing collaboration in defence innovation, encouraged by the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue building on the momentum achieved over the past two and a half years.
Doubts Revealed
Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for overseeing the country's defense policies and military matters.
Lloyd Austin
Lloyd J Austin is the United States Secretary of Defence. He is in charge of the US Department of Defense and oversees the country's military forces.
ASEAN
ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together to promote economic growth, peace, and stability in the region.
Defence Partnership
A defence partnership is an agreement between two or more countries to work together on military and defense-related activities. This can include sharing information, conducting joint exercises, and developing new technologies.
Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap
The Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap is a plan that outlines how India and the US will work together to develop and produce defense technologies and equipment. It aims to strengthen the defense industries of both countries.
Security of Supplies Agreement
The Security of Supplies Agreement is a deal between countries to ensure that they can rely on each other for important military supplies and equipment, especially during emergencies or conflicts.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *