On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the significance of defense cooperation between India and the United States, identifying it as a pivotal element in strengthening the partnership between the two nations. He underscored the role of this collaboration in advancing international peace and security, particularly in the context of promoting a rules-based order and upholding fundamental principles rooted in the UN Charter.
Blinken highlighted the importance of principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, emphasizing their central role in the shared objectives of both India and the United States.
“Our defence cooperation, which we’re strengthening again today, is a key pillar of that work,” Blinken said in his opening remarks at the 2+2 India-US Ministerial Dialogue that began in the national capital earlier in the day
During his opening remarks, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin acknowledged the significant progress made in enhancing the major defense partnership between the United States and India over the past year.
He expressed satisfaction with the impressive gains achieved, emphasizing that these advancements would enable both nations to contribute even more collaboratively to the common goal of promoting peace and stability.
Austin's remarks underscored the positive trajectory of the bilateral defense relationship and its potential impact on fostering global security.
"We’re integrating our industrial bases, strengthening our interoperability, and sharing cutting-edge technology,” he added.
Blinken highlighted that both countries were actively implementing tangible measures to realize the vision articulated by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting in Washington in June. This emphasized commitment to practical steps and actions aimed at translating the shared vision into concrete outcomes, reflecting the ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India.
“ We are promoting a free and open, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific, including by strengthening our partnership through the Quad, with Japan and Australia,” he explained.
Continuing his remarks, Blinken elaborated on one substantial approach towards realizing their shared vision. He explained that a key initiative involves the enhancement of maritime domain awareness. This includes the sharing of commercial satellite data with countries in the region, a measure designed to bolster their capabilities.
The aim is to empower these nations to effectively address challenges such as illegal fishing, piracy, and drug trafficking. By fostering collaboration in this way, both the United States and India are actively working to contribute to the promotion of security and stability in the maritime domain.
"We’re also coordinating humanitarian relief and disaster response efforts in the Indo-Pacific. We’re harnessing together the power of innovation to make our economies more resilient and to make our communities more secure, while expanding inclusive economic opportunity.
"That’s evident in the cooperation on semiconductors and advanced biotechnology; on our unprecedented investments in deploying clean energy at scale in our countries as well as across the region; and our joint research and exploration projects in space,” he added.
The top diplomat highlighted the significance of people-to-people ties between the two nations, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to strengthen these connections. Blinken mentioned specific measures being undertaken to streamline travel between India and the United States, including initiatives to reduce visa wait times.
These steps are aimed at enhancing the ease and efficiency of travel for individuals between the two countries, fostering greater cultural exchange and collaboration.
(With Agency Inputs)
