Rajnath, Austin discuss bilateral cooperation

New Delhi, August 23

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tonight held a bilateral meeting with US counterpart Lloyd Austin in Washington, DC, to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and industrial collaboration.

In statement on Friday night, the Indian Ministry of Defence said Rajnath Singh highlighted various co-development and co-production opportunities in India in the areas identified in the India-US defence industrial cooperation roadmap, which was adopted last year.

Both have appreciated progress made in operationalising the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness, a Quad initiative.

The statement said the two appreciated efforts in establishing robust networks across start-ups, industry, academia and governments, accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and enhancing war-fighting capabilities of both sides. The meeting at the Pentagon - headquarters of the US Department of Defence - was preceded by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony by Rajnath at the Arlington National Cemetery.