Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday invited US defence companies to partner with India in co-developing and co-producing advanced defence technologies for global markets. He expressed confidence that the partnership will increase 'Make in India' and self-reliance efforts in the nation's defence sector.
Singh disclosed in a post on X that he held an interactive session with top US defence firms during the Defence Industry Roundtable arranged by the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. He added that the meeting underlines an ever-strategic partnership between the two nations.
Earlier, Singh met US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and discussed various strategic issues of mutual interest. Singh was pleased with the meeting, saying, "Delighted to meet the National Security Adviser of the United States @jakesullivan and share perspectives on key strategic matters of mutual interest.".
On Friday, Singh also met US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and termed the inking of two major defence pacts with the US "pathbreaking." These pacts are Security of Supply Arrangements and an agreement on the posting of Indian officers at important US commands.
Singh visited Arlington National Cemetery, too. He paid homage to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
The way forward regarding India-US defence relations was quite promising after the fifth annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in November 2023. The US pledged to support the ongoing process of Indian military modernization, further develop a US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation, expand maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region, and support legal norms in the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.
The India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem INDUS-X remains alive for joint defence technology innovations and co-production efforts. This visit of US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in June was an important move towards enhancing strategic technology and defence collaboration with India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term.
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