Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on November 21. The two leaders acknowledged the significant progress made in the India-US defence partnership, highlighting enhanced operational coordination, information-sharing, and industrial innovation. They also acknowledged the remarkable strides under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, particularly in advancing priority co-production initiatives for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence noted that Singh recalled his successful US visit in August 2024, during which two pivotal agreements were signed – the Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the deployment of Liaison Officers. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to deepening military collaboration and interoperability to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Singh also highlighted the outcomes of the successful QUAD Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended on 21 September. He emphasized the importance of advancing key initiatives, including the regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), the inaugural Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, and the launch of the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project aimed at improving civilian response to natural disasters across the Indo-Pacific region.
Both leaders strongly supported the growing defence innovation collaboration between the governments, businesses, and academic institutions through the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem, focusing on joint challenges, funding opportunities, and increased visibility. They agreed to continue building on the momentum gained in the past two and a half years, driven by a convergence of strategic interests and enhanced defence cooperation.
The Defence Minister thanked Secretary Austin for his pivotal role in strengthening the India-US defence partnership. In a post on X, Singh described Secretary Austin as a “great friend to India,” whose contributions have been instrumental in deepening and expanding bilateral defence ties. He also wished him success in his future endeavours.
It is always a matter of immense joy to meet my friend, Lloyd Austin. He has been a great friend to India. His contribution towards strengthening India-US defence partnership has been exemplary. I wish him very best in all his future endeavours. @SecDef pic.twitter.com/J5PoPQnt95
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 21, 2024
Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh held a productive meeting with South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence ties and regional security cooperation.
Singh also met New Zealand’s Defence Minister Ms Judith Collins on the sidelines of the ADMM Plus meeting during his second day in Lao PDR. The meeting focused on strengthening defence cooperation.
Team BharatShakti
