US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday underscored the expanding defence collaboration with India, highlighting significant milestones achieved by Indo-Pacific nations working collectively.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Austin remarked that "like-minded countries" across the region have strengthened their connections and produced tangible benefits for the Indo-Pacific populace.
“With India, we’ve made historic progress on co-producing fighter-jet engines and armoured vehicles,” Austin noted, referencing defence agreements with nations such as Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Australia, describing them as not only "historic" but also "just the beginning."
Addressing questions at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Austin emphasized the "significant momentum" in defence partnerships, particularly with India, which he described as a "flywheel" gaining speed for mutual benefit. "Our current relationship with India is stronger than it has ever been," Austin stated.
Reflecting on past efforts, Austin recounted, “You know, several years ago, we set out with a notion to – gain approval for India to build jet engines for fighter aircraft in India. I served on the board of a company that makes jet engines for fighter aircraft and I know how difficult this was going to be. And we were hopeful but very sceptical that we could get this across the finish line. We did it. That’s happening.”
During Austin's visit to New Delhi last year, India and the US established a new roadmap for defence industrial cooperation, accelerating technology sharing and co-production in various sectors.
Read Also | US to operationalise India as Major Defence Partner: Lt Gen Lloyd Austin
