North News
New Delhi, November 21
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Vientiane, Laos, highlighting significant advancements in defence cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders applauded the progress under the U.S.-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, which includes joint efforts in co-producing jet engines, munitions, and mobility systems. Rajnath Singh also referenced his August 2024 visit to the U.S., where key agreements, including the Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA) and a pact for Liaison Officers’ deployment, were finalized.
Discussions touched on bolstering operational coordination and interoperability to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific, with both sides emphasizing the importance of the QUAD Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) and logistics network pilots to enhance disaster response capabilities. Rajnath Singh praised the Defense Acceleration Ecosystem, which fosters joint defence innovation projects involving governments, businesses, and academic institutions. Both sides committed to deepening collaboration in alignment with shared strategic goals.
In a social media post, Singh described Austin as a “great friend of India,” acknowledging his contributions to strengthening defence ties and extending best wishes for his future endeavors.
