Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, US NSA Jake Sullivan Hold Talk, Discuss Strategic Issues

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss critical strategic issues of mutual interest, following the signing of two significant agreements aimed at strengthening the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the US.

Singh is on a four-day visit to the US to further advance the partnership. In a post on X after the meeting on Friday, Singh expressed his satisfaction with the discussions, stating, "Pleased to meet US National Security Advisor @jakesullivan and exchange views on important strategic issues of shared interest."

He also held a "productive" dialogue with leading US defence firms, encouraging collaboration with Indian partners to fast-track the Make in India initiative. "Engaged with prominent US defence companies during the Defence Industry Roundtable organised by @USISPF. I invited them to partner with Indian companies to accelerate our Make in India program in pursuit of achieving self-reliance in defence," he shared in another post. "Together, Indian and US companies will co-develop and co-produce for the global market," he added.

At a luncheon roundtable with USISPF Board members and defence industry leaders, Singh highlighted the rapid evolution of the US-India defence relationship, its significant growth, and the pivotal role of US defence investments in India's development and its Vision 2047 goals, according to a post by USISPF on X.

Singh emphasised the need for deepening defence cooperation and enhancing the strategic partnership through more extensive engagements. Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of USISPF, noted that Singh spoke about the deepening strategic ties, with the private sector now playing a crucial role in fostering cooperation in emerging critical technologies such as cyber, drones, AI, space and quantum technology.

Earlier, Singh also met with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin to review and explore ways to further enhance existing defence cooperation between the two nations. "Had a wonderful meeting with my close friend @SecDef Lloyd Austin. We reviewed the current defence cooperation efforts and explored ways to strengthen them further," Singh posted on X.

He called the signing of the Security of Supply Arrangements and the agreement for the assignment of Indian officers to key US military commands groundbreaking developments. These agreements, signed on Thursday, include the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement concerning the placement of Liaison Officers. During the visit, Singh also engaged with the Indian community.