Rajnath Singh Highlights India-US Ties During Concluding Leg of US Visit

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh concluded his US visit, emphasizing India's growth and the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora. He also visited key historical sites including the National Civil Rights Museum and discussed bilateral defense cooperation with US officials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has wrapped up his visit to the United States, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Monday. As his final engagement, Singh underscored India's remarkable growth over the past decade and praised the Indian diaspora as a 'living bridge' connecting the two countries.

Interacting with the Indian community from Memphis, Atlanta, Nashville, and nearby areas, Singh lauded their contributions to society, science, and the economy. He described them as fostering close relations and goodwill between India and the US, according to a Ministry of Defence release.

Singh also acknowledged the Indian community's efforts in establishing a Mahatma Gandhi exhibit and honorary 'Gandhi Way' street signs near the National Civil Rights Museum in 2019. He visited the museum on August 25, the final day of his tour, which traces the civil rights movement in the US and houses a bust of Gandhi.

On his official visit from August 23 to 26, Singh met with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The leaders expressed satisfaction over the Security of Supplies Arrangement, which aims to enhance defense industrial cooperation and supply chain resilience between the two nations.

During their bilateral meeting at the Pentagon on Friday, Singh and Austin discussed a wide range of issues, including bilateral defense cooperation, industrial collaboration, regional security, and other international matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)