US Defence Secretary calls on Rajnath Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 20

In what is first officially declared ministerial-level contact between India and US since Washington announced forming of a new ‘security alliance’, the Secretary of Defence General Lloyd Austin made a telephone call to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday evening.

Singh and Austin discussed bilateral and regional matters, including developments in Afghanistan. They discussed defence cooperation and looked forward to working closely, a statement of the Ministry of Defence said.

The Defence Minister and Secretary Austin also exchanged views about combating terrorism in the region. Both sides appreciated the mutual cooperation in the recent evacuation operations in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in regular contact in view of the evolving situation.

The call from the US Defence Secretary, a battle hardened veteran, came four days after the US, on Sept 16, announced a ‘security alliance’ in the Indo Pacific with Britain and Australia as its partners. The alliance will allow for greater sharing of defence capabilities including nuclear submarines for Australia.