During a pivotal four-day visit to the United States, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan on Saturday. Their discussions centered on strategic issues of mutual interest, reinforcing the strong defense ties between the two nations. Singh shared the details of their meeting on the social media platform X, highlighting the significance of their conversation in the context of global security challenges.
Had fruitful interaction with leading U.S. defence companies at the Defence Industry – Roundtable organised by @USISPF (US India Strategic Partnership Forum).
Invited them to work with Indian partners to accelerate our Make in India program towards achieving Atmanirbharta in… pic.twitter.com/3CTXLw3Lfy
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2024
Engaging with US Defense Industry Leaders at the Defense Industry Conference
In addition to his meeting with Jake Sullivan, Rajnath Singh actively engaged with leading US defense companies during the Defense Industry Conference. This event, organized by the US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), provided a platform for in-depth discussions on collaboration opportunities. Singh invited US defense companies to partner with Indian firms to accelerate the “Make in India” initiative, aiming to achieve self-reliance in the defense sector. This collaboration could significantly enhance India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, positioning the country as a key player in the global defense industry.
Strengthening Defense Cooperation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
On Friday, Rajnath Singh met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss the future of defense cooperation between India and the United States. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening and reviewing the existing defense cooperation activities. The meeting underscored their commitment to advancing Indo-Pacific maritime domain awareness, a critical Quad initiative, and enhancing India’s role in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Singh’s social media updates on X provided further insights into the discussions, emphasizing the progress made in operationalizing these key strategic goals.
Rajnath Singh’s Interaction with the Indian Diaspora in the US
During his visit, Rajnath Singh also took the time to connect with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the US. He shared exciting news about upcoming initiatives, particularly the INDUS X Silicon Valley Summit scheduled for September 2024. Singh hinted at several major announcements that would further strengthen the bonds between India and the US, particularly in the areas of technology and defense.
Celebrating the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) Agreement
A significant milestone during Singh’s visit was the successful conclusion of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) between India and the United States. This agreement marks a critical step in ensuring the seamless supply of defense materials and technology, further solidifying the defense partnership between the two nations. Both Singh and Austin expressed their satisfaction with this development, which is expected to have far-reaching implications for future defense collaborations.
