On her five-day official tour to the United States, union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India considers the US as an “important partner” in defence sector.
On her remark made at the beginning of bilateral talks between Sitharaman and US defence secreatary James Mattis, Sitharaman said “mutual trust” and “confidence” in defence partnership between both the countries are visible and growing strongly. She made her remark at the Pentagon.
After a strong foundation has been laid in the new US national security strategy for the India-US defence relationship, Sitharaman said she was heartily encouraged by importance given to the foundation.
Sitharaman said, “A strong foundation has been laid for the India-US defence relationship over the years. India sees the US as an important partner in defence.”
Sitharaman also pointed out good relationship betrween the two countries such as defence consultations, military-to-military cooperation, co-production, scientific collaboration and co-development as well as industry collaboration.
Expressing confidence over the bilateral talks between the two nations, Sitharaman said it would enhance the momentum of dialogue and partnership between India-US and further said it’s beneficial for evolving into a very strong relationship.
The high-level aids exchange between the two countries are the indications of their depth and the quality of the bilateral ties and also shows their mutual efforts and desires related to the global issues.
Sitharaman said, “Especially over the past three to four years, we have made considerable progress. Our relations, based on common democratic values, enjoy strong political and popular support in both countries. There’s a growing mutual trust and also the confidence in defence partnership, which augurs very well for the future.”