External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the Indo-Pacific’s peace, security, and prosperity should be protected as the global situation has grown extremely tough during his bilateral discussions with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday in the Pentagon.
“Therefore, I do share with you that the world situation has gotten much more difficult for various reasons as a result of our meeting today and my being here today. In particular, the Indo-Pacific region needs to ensure its stability, security, and prosperity, which is best accomplished by, among other things “At the Pentagon’s opening comments, Jaishankar remarked.
During the discussions, he also stressed the importance of fostering more robust military exercises and defence industry partnerships between the US and India.
According to a briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, both leaders emphasised a commitment to increase information sharing and logistical collaboration as well as bilateral defence cooperation to promote closer operational coordination between the US and Indian military.
In support of India’s responsibilities as a supplier of regional security, Austin and Jaishankar also addressed fresh prospects for bilateral defence industrial collaboration.
As the United States and India collaborate more closely in the fields of space, cyber, artificial intelligence, and other areas, the two sides are also anticipating the beginning of a new defence conversation later this year, according to the statement.
Additionally, Lloyd Austin and S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of the growing cooperation between the United States, India, Australia, Japan, and European partners. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating as steadfast partners to advance the United States and India’s shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
During bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin harshly criticised China for “unprecedented provocations in the Taiwan Strait” and stated that India and the US, the two great democracies, are collaborating to create a brighter future for the Indo-Pacific as the world faces ongoing challenges to peace, security, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
“Our two great democracies are collaborating to create a better future for the Indo-Pacific, and one way that we achieve this is via our bilateral defence relations.
Pushing to increase our region’s prosperity for the Indo-Pacific Economic framework, the United States is working in India with a dozen other Indo-Pacific partners “said Austin.
Austin also emphasised the present worries over maritime security in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific, referring to QUAD, the strategic alliance of strong Indo-Pacific democracies made up of India, Australia, Japan, and the US.
Additionally, Austin berated China for aiding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying, “The People’s Republic of China (China) is still standing by Russia despite its ruthless attack. Therefore, maintaining peace, security, and economic success in the area and abroad is a constant struggle.”
Notably, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin invited External Affairs Minister Jaishankar at the Pentagon on Thursday during an expanded honour cordon ceremony.
This meeting occurs the day before Jaishankar meets Sec. Anthony Blinken, his US counterpart.
The high-level United Nations General Assembly discussion in New York was completed on Saturday by the external affairs minister. For the period of September 18–24, Jaishankar was in New York.
Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as well as other top Biden Administration officials in Washington. There will also be a roundtable discussion about science and technology in Washington.
Read more: PM Modi arrives in Japan to attend former premier Abe’s state funeral
