Austin expressed his country's strong desire to further enhance the strategic partnership with India for peace, stability & prosperity in the region.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd James Austin is on a three-day India visit starting today. Austin called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed greetings of US President Joe Biden, the PMO said in a press release.
He also expressed his country's strong desire to further enhance the strategic partnership with India for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The Prime Minister welcomed the warm and close relationship between the two countries which is rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism and commitment to a rules-based order, the statement said.
"Secretary Austin reiterated the US government's continued commitment towards strengthening the bilateral defence relations between the two countries. He expressed America's strong desire to further enhance the strategic partnership for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the statement read.
PM Narendra Modi took to Twitter and tweeted, "Pleasure to meet US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to President of the US Joe Biden. India and the US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good."
PM Modi also asked Austin to convey his best wishes to President Joe Biden.
The Prime Minister outlined his vision for the strategic partnership between the two nations and emphasised the important role of bilateral defence cooperation.
US Defence Secretary also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. As per sources, both discussed areas of mutual interest, strategic partnership and cooperation on various aspects of security and defence.
India is the third stop of Austin's three-nation overseas tour, and the visit is seen as a strong commitment of the Joe Biden administration to its close allies and partners in the region.
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