Strengthening Strategic Ties: Rajnath Singh Meets US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at ADMM-Plus Summit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the significant strides made in the India-US defence partnership, focusing on operational coordination, information sharing, and industrial innovation

Both leaders acknowledged the progress achieved under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, emphasizing advancements in co-production arrangements for jet engines, munitions, and ground mobility systems. Reflecting on his August 2024 visit to the US, Singh noted the conclusion of key agreements, including the Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA) and the Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officers' deployment. Both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing military interoperability to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Rajnath Singh spotlighted the outcomes of the recent QUAD Summit, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the importance of initiatives such as the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, and the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project. These efforts aim to improve regional disaster response and strengthen maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their dedication to fostering defence innovation through the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem, supporting collaboration among governments, businesses, and academic institutions. They agreed to sustain the momentum achieved in recent years, driven by shared strategic interests and deepening defence ties.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude to Secretary Austin, calling him a "great friend to India" and praising his exemplary contributions to strengthening the India-US defence partnership.