Amid growing Chinese aggression, India and the US Saturday called for deepening of defence ties both at the bilateral and multilateral levels to realise the full potential of the relationship and to meet present and future challenges.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he had comprehensive and productive talks with US Defence 'Secretary Llyod Austin and his delegation and both sides agreed to realise the full potential of the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership.

Discussions focussed on wide-ranging defence cooperation, expanding the military to military engagement, information sharing and cooperation in emerging areas of defence and mutual logistics support, said the Defence Minister. 'The India-US relationship a stronghold of the free, open Indo-Pacific region'.

Calling India an increasingly important partner in the rapidly shifting international dynamics, the US Defence Secretary said the India-US relationship is a stronghold of the free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“We also reviewed many bilateral and multilateral exercises and we agreed for increased cooperation between the Indian military, US Indo-Pacific command, Centre Command and Africa Command. We’ve signed LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA agreements and we’ve agreed to realise their full potential,” said Singh.

 “PM Narendra Modi stated India stands for freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce in adherence to international law. This reaffirms our shared vision for regional security,” said the US Defence Secretary.

India is a central pillar of our approach to the Indo-Pacific region and Washington reaffirms commitment to a comprehensive forward-looking defence partnership with New Delhi, said Austin.

'India committed to strengthening its robust defence partnership with the US' Rajnath Singh assured Austin that India is committed to further strengthen its robust defence partnership with the US.

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