National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a significant meeting in New Delhi, exchanging ideas and discussing mutual interests. The leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation in specific niche technologies related to maritime, military, and aerospace domains to enhance their respective capabilities.
A key focus of their discussion was the transfer of technology from the US to India, promoting co-production, and building indigenous capacities in alignment with India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiatives. The objective is to strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector.
Additionally, Doval and Austin discussed the importance of preserving the freedom of action for countries in different regions, including the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. They emphasized the significance of allowing nations to make independent decisions in line with their national priorities, without facing undue coercion.
During the meeting, both leaders underscored the need for trusted sources of supply, resilient supply chains, and fostering industry-to-industry partnerships. They emphasized a strategic approach to addressing global challenges, emphasizing the importance of whole government efforts, including people-to-people and societal relations.
Furthermore, US Defense Secretary Austin, who was on a two-day visit to New Delhi, held extensive talks with his Indian counterpart, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Austin expressed his commitment to establishing an ambitious roadmap for defense-industrial cooperation between India and the US. He described the India-US global strategic partnership as the “cornerstone” of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting the rapid growth of the partnership, Austin expressed the intention to expand defence industrial cooperation between the two nations. His visit to New Delhi coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit to Washington, further highlighting the significance of the bilateral relationship between India and the US.
The meeting between Ajit Doval and Lloyd Austin signifies the commitment of both nations to strengthen defense ties, promote technological collaboration, and enhance their strategic partnership. This engagement holds the potential to bolster India’s defense capabilities, contribute to the country’s self-reliance goals, and deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
