US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the United States wants to strengthen and strengthen defense relations with India, especially with regard to information exchange and logistical matters.
This came during a meeting in New Delhi between Lloyd Austin and his Indian counterpart, as part of efforts to form an alliance of the two countries, in order to counter China's influence in the region.
Austin stressed that India is an increasingly important partner among the international powers undergoing rapid transformation, and added, “We discussed opportunities to strengthen the key US-Indian defense partnership, which is a priority for the Biden administration and his deputy (Kamala) Harris, and we will do so through regional security cooperation and partnerships between The two armies and the defense trade. "
On his part, Indian Defense Minister Rajnat Singh said that the meeting focused on "expanding the link between the two armies through services, information exchange and cooperation in defense and joint logistical support."
Austin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met after arriving in New Delhi on Friday.
The US Secretary will leave India on Sunday.
Modi said on Twitter that "India and the United States are committed to their strategic partnership, which is a force for the benefit of the world."
A strategic ally
India and the United States converged last year after a deadly border clash with China.
Washington helped New Delhi by renting surveillance drones and providing cold-weather equipment for Indian forces.
India is a major ally of the United States in the region.
The US defense and foreign ministers recently visited Japan and South Korea, Washington’s two prominent allies in the Asia-Pacific region, as China's pursuit of expanding its influence raises the concerns of neighboring countries.
The two US ministers also participated in a video summit between the leaders of what is known as the "Quad" Alliance, which includes the United States, Australia, Japan and India, and whose formation is intended to contain the influence of China.