'Countering Chinese aggression…': Rajnath Singh says India, US in agreement on strategic issues

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on November 10 held a bilateral meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Both leaders discussed the strategic issues including countering China’s aggression, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. Rajnath Singh said, “The India-US defence relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership characterized by mutual trust, shared values, and a growing recognition of common interests in maintaining regional and global security. We increasingly find ourselves in agreement on strategic issues, including countering China's aggression, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and addressing regional security challenges. We share a focus on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, recognizing the criticality of safeguarding vital sea lanes and promoting stability, our teams are working on the substantive outcomes. Our strategic convergence should guide us to new domains and expand the scope of collaboration. We are charting new pathways of cooperation by pursuing stronger defence, industrial engagement, easing of technology restrictions, resilient supply chains in all domains, and maritime security.”