The Pentagon on Thursday expressed its deep appreciation for the robust defense ties it shares with India and affirmed its commitment to strengthening this vital partnership.
Talking to media persons, Pat Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, highlighted the significant strides made in the defense relationship between the United States and India. From a near-negligible defense trade relationship in 1997, the two nations have now propelled their defense trade to exceed $20 billion, underscoring the growing collaboration between them.
“We very much appreciate our relationship with India on a defence level. We continue to foster a stronger defence partnership with India and that is something that I think you'll continue to see us do going forward,” Ryder was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Addressing concerns about security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, Ryder emphasized that China remains the principal "pacing challenge" for the Department of Defense. He acknowledged the importance of partnerships with countries like India in upholding individual nations' sovereignty and promoting adherence to the established international rules-based order, which has been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability for an extended period.
Ryder's remarks coincided with the recent visit of India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to Washington, where he engaged in discussions with top U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Their meeting focused on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, exploring opportunities for co-production of defense equipment, and exchanging views on various security-related issues of mutual interest. This diplomatic exchange reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to enhance their strategic alliance and work together to address regional and global security challenges.
The United States, India, and several other global powers have consistently advocated for a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific region, especially in the face of China's increasingly assertive military activities in the area. China's territorial claims over the South China Sea, a disputed region, have raised tensions, with multiple nations, including Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam, asserting their rights in the region. China has further heightened tensions by constructing artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.
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