Rajnath Singh holds talks with new US Secretary of Defense, agrees to boost ties
Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth Discuss Strengthening India-US Defence Ties
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with Pete Hegseth, the newly confirmed US Secretary of Defence. They discussed the extensive India-US defence cooperation, covering land, air, maritime, and space domains. Both ministers appreciated the growing bilateral defence partnership and committed to deepening ties.
They agreed to collaborate on technology, defence industrial supply chains, interoperability, logistics, information sharing, and joint military exercises. Enhanced support for defence innovation involving governments, start-ups, businesses, and academic institutions was also discussed. A comprehensive framework for defence cooperation from 2025 to 2035 is in the works.
Singh described the conversation as excellent, highlighting plans to expand operational, intelligence, logistics, and defence-industrial cooperation. The India-US defence cooperation is based on the "New Framework for India-US Defence Cooperation," renewed in 2015 for ten years. In 2016, the relationship was designated as a Major Defence Partnership.
Key agreements include the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (2016), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (2018), Industrial Security Agreement (2019), and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (2020). The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, co-chaired by Indian and US officials, guides political, military, and strategic issues, with the latest meeting held in November 2023 in New Delhi.
Doubts Revealed
Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh is an important leader in India. He is the Union Defence Minister, which means he is responsible for the country's defense and military matters.
Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth is a US Secretary of Defence. He is responsible for the defense and military matters of the United States.
Defence Ties
Defence ties refer to the relationship between two countries in terms of military cooperation and collaboration. It includes working together on military projects, sharing technology, and conducting joint exercises.
Maritime
Maritime refers to anything related to the sea. In this context, it means activities and cooperation between India and the US that involve their navies and sea-based operations.
Space
Space here refers to outer space, where satellites and other space technology operate. India and the US are discussing how they can work together in space-related defense activities.
Defence Supply Chain
A defence supply chain is the system of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in supplying military equipment and technology. Integration means making these systems work together smoothly between India and the US.
2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a meeting format where two ministers from each country, usually from defense and foreign affairs, discuss important strategic issues. It helps India and the US coordinate their defense and foreign policies.
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