"Will discuss areas of strategic interests": Rajnath Singh stated ahead of his upcoming US visit.
New Delhi [India], August 22 : Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced his upcoming visit to Washington, where he plans to meet with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin. Singh stated that the discussions will focus on areas of strategic interest and aim to further strengthen defence cooperation between India and the United States.
In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, "Leaving for Washington. India and the United States share a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Looking forward to meeting my friend @SecDef Austin. Will discuss areas of strategic interests, while seeking to strengthen defence cooperation."
During his visit, Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to meet Jake Sullivan, the US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
The Ministry of Defence issued a press release stating, "Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will be undertaking an official visit to the US from August 23 to 26, 2024, on the invitation of the US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin."
This visit comes at a time of growing momentum in India-US relations and increasing defence engagements at multiple levels.
"The visit is expected to further deepen and broaden the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the release added.
Rajnath Singh will also chair a high-level roundtable with the US defence industry to discuss ongoing and future defence collaborations. Additionally, he will interact with the Indian community during his visit.
Earlier, on August 17, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma in Delhi, discussing the ongoing momentum in bilateral ties between the two countries.
Jaishankar and Richard Verma also shared views on regional and global issues. Verma, who served as the 25th United States Ambassador to India, was nominated by President Obama in September 2014.
In a post on X, Jaishankar shared, "Pleased to meet @DepSecStateMR Richard Verma today in Delhi. Spoke about the continuing momentum in our bilateral ties. And exchanged views on certain regional and global issues."
On July 29, Jaishankar also met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tokyo during the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, where they had a wide-ranging discussion on regional and global issues.
Jaishankar posted on X, "Great to catch up with @SecBlinken in Tokyo today. Our bilateral agenda progresses steadily. Also had a wide-ranging discussion on regional and global issues. Look forward to attending the Quad FMM tomorrow."