U.S. and India Reaffirm Strategic Partnership

U.S. and Indian defense and national security leaders connect, reaffirming their commitment to a strategic partnership and cooperation.

In its first official outreach to India's top leadership, the new Biden administration in the US has reaffirmed its commitment to the strategic partnership between the two nations. This comes as US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan held separate phone calls with their Indian counterparts, Rajnath Singh and Ajit Doval, respectively. These conversations signal a clear intention to continue the robust defense cooperation that has defined the relationship.

Shared Goals in a Shifting World

 During his call with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Secretary Austin emphasized the US-India Major Defence Partnership, a relationship built on shared values and a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Austin also acknowledged the "great strides" the two countries have made in strengthening defense ties and pledged to work collaboratively with Singh.

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Similarly, NSA Jake Sullivan and Ajit Doval discussed a wide array of bilateral and global issues. The two security advisors agreed on the importance of tackling post-pandemic challenges and enhancing cooperation on critical issues such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, cybersecurity, and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific. 

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that both sides believe that as leading democracies, India and the US are uniquely positioned to work together on these complex issues.

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A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

 The phone calls mark the initial formal contact between the new US administration and India's top leaders, paving the way for future discussions. These high-level conversations reinforce the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two nations. 

The discussions reflect a mutual understanding that the two countries need to work collectively to address both shared challenges and opportunities in the current geopolitical landscape. 

The broader context of these discussions was highlighted by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who stated that the US is coming to terms with the ongoing rebalancing of global power, and that a successful approach will require strong international partnerships.

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