We hope to make Indo-US relationship as one of the defining partnerships of 21st century: Rajnath Singh. 'India is committed to further strengthen its robust defence partnership with US'. 'Talks focused on steps to implement bilateral defence pacts with the US such as LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA'

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he had comprehensive and fruitful talks with US Defence 'Secretary Lloyd Austin and his delegation and both sides agreed to realise the full potential of the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership.

Talks focussed on wide-ranging defence cooperation, expanding the military to military engagement, information sharing and cooperation in emerging areas of defence and mutual logistics support, said the Defence Minister.

“We also reviewed many bilateral and multilateral exercises and we agreed for increased cooperation between the Indian military, US Indo-Pacific command, Centre Command and Africa Command. We’ve signed LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA agreements and we’ve agreed to realise their full potential,” said Singh.

'The India-US Relationship A Stronghold of The Free, Open Indo-Pacific Region'

Calling India an increasingly important partner in the rapidly shifting international dynamics, the US Defence Secretary said the India-US relationship is a stronghold of the free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“PM Narendra Modi stated India stands for freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce in adherence to international law. This reaffirms our shared vision for regional security,” said the US Defence Secretary.

India is a central pillar of our approach to the Indo-Pacific region and Washington reaffirms commitment to a comprehensive forward-looking defence partnership with New Delhi, said Austin.

'India Committed To Strengthen Its Robust Defence Partnership With The US'

Rajnath Singh assured Austin that India is committed to further strengthen its robust defence partnership with the US.

"I invited the US defence industry to take advantage of India's liberalised FDI policies in the defence sector," he added.

The US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III also expressed his deepest condolences for the tragic accident that killed an Indian Air Force pilot Ashish Gupta earlier this week.

His MiG-21 met with a "fatal accident" on Wednesday morning while taking off at Gwalior.

Austin is in India as part of his three-nation first overseas tour as the Defence Secretary.