US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived here on Friday as a part of his three-nation first overseas tour after the new administration assumed office in the United States. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed international, regional, and bilateral issues of mutual interest.
Austin also held all-inclusive discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and almost every key issue of mutual concerns, including China’s aggressive behaviour in the region are learned to have figured in the discussion.
“Pleasure to meet US Sec Def Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to POTUS Joe Biden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good,” PM Modi tweeted.
“Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region,” the US Defence Secretary tweeted.
On Saturday, Austin will lay a wreath at National War Memorial in the morning and will be given a guard of honour at Vigyan Bhavan before he meets with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
