Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s telephonic conversation with US counterpart

New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin had a “warm and fruitful telephonic conversation” on September 14 during which “India’s concerns over the US decision to provide sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet” were conveyed, the Defence Ministry said.

“They reviewed the multi-faceted India-US defence cooperation and reiterated mutual commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties,” the Ministry said.

Secretary Austin expressed support for India’s defence modernisation programme and looked forward to further strengthening India-US defence industrial and technology collaboration.

The two ministers also discussed regional issues and affirmed their shared desire for maintaining peace and stability in the region and beyond.

The two Ministers reiterated that both sides would continue their productive engagements with the objective of deepening India-US Strategic Partnership. Rajnath Singh conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Secretary Austin in India for the next Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in 2023.