Rajnath Singh and Hegseth Discuss Strengthening Defence Relations Ahead of PM Modi's US Trip
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Synopsis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth engaged in a productive discussion on enhancing the India-US defence partnership ahead of PM Modi's anticipated visit to the US. They explored operational, intelligence, logistics, and industrial cooperation for a robust strategic relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh congratulated Pete Hegseth on his confirmation.
- Discussion focused on strengthening India-US defence ties.
- Agreed to develop an ambitious agenda for cooperation.
- Upcoming PM Modi's visit to the US to further enhance relations.
- Focus on shared democratic values and international norms.
New Delhi/Washington, Feb 6 (NationPress) On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in a phone conversation with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, extending his congratulations on Hegseth's recent confirmation and exploring avenues to further enhance the India-US bilateral defence partnership.
"I had a productive discussion with my US counterpart Mr Pete Hegseth today. I congratulated him on taking office as the new Secretary of Defence on January 25, 2025. We reviewed our ongoing defence cooperation and discussed methods to expand and strengthen the India-US bilateral defence relationship," Singh shared on X post-conversation.
"We also agreed to formulate an ambitious agenda that encompasses operational, intelligence, logistics, and defence-industrial cooperation. I look forward to collaborating closely with Secretary Hegseth," added the Defence Minister.
This dialogue occurred just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, which will further highlight the robust friendship and strategic ties between the two nations.
In recent years, India and the United States have launched numerous initiatives to strengthen defence collaboration, solidifying their strategic partnership based on shared values such as a commitment to democracy and adherence to a rules-based international order.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Hegseth's predecessor Lloyd Austin worked in close coordination as the Pentagon expressed support for India's military modernization, initiatives to advance the US-India Roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation, enhancing maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region, and India's advocacy for the rule of law in the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.
The establishment of the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) by the US Department of Defence and the Indian Defence Ministry in June 2023 reinforced the commitment by the Indian and US National Security Advisors to create a defence innovation bridge between both countries under the initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
Further announcements regarding India-US strategic technology and defence cooperation are expected during PM Modi's upcoming visit to the United States next week.
The US President has already pledged to fortify the "great partnership" with India and PM Modi, continuing the strong ties established during his first term.
