US defense secretary discusses upgrading ties with India to counter China
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday discussed upgrading partnership with India, a major arms buyer, as both countries grapple with China's economic rise and increased belligerence, officials said.
Lloyd Austin met with India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, with both sides emphasizing technology partnerships including defense, clean energy and space. India is working to promote its domestic defense industry by acquiring technology and reducing reliance on imports, particularly from Russia, its largest supplier of military hardware despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
'I'm returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our Major Defense Partnership. Together, we're advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,' Austin tweeted after his arrival in New Delhi on Sunday.
Austin, who is on his second visit to India, was expected to lay the groundwork for Indian Premier Narendra Modi's visit to Washington on June 22, which has fuelled speculation about a possible announcement of defense contracts.
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