India-US Strengthen Defence Ties: Key Agreements Signed at Pentagon

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin celebrated the signing of key defence agreements during a bilateral meeting in Washington DC. Discussions focused on enhancing defence cooperation, industrial collaboration, and regional security. Notable agreements include the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) and deployment of Indian liaison officers in the US.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed satisfaction over the conclusion of the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA), aimed at bolstering defence industrial cooperation and supply chain resilience. The two leaders met at the Pentagon in Washington DC on Friday.

The meeting covered an array of issues, including bilateral defence cooperation, industrial collaboration, and regional security. In his opening remarks, Singh highlighted the growing convergence of strategic interests between India and the US, underscoring the comprehensive global strategic partnership the two nations share.

Both officials welcomed the signing of additional agreements, including a Memorandum of Agreement regarding the deployment of Indian Liaison Officers at US military commands. They also commended ongoing initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness and the India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X), which is fostering technological and strategic collaboration between the two countries.

The agreements come ahead of the INDUS X Silicon Valley Summit in September 2024 and were accompanied by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony by Singh at the Arlington National Cemetery. Singh and Austin confirmed plans to meet again at the next India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)