Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth in Pentagon on Tuesday. During this time, he described the Indo-US defense relations as the “most decisive column” of the partnership between the two countries.
Jaishankar said in the meeting, “I am in the Pentagon today because we believe that our defense partnership is one of the most decisive pillars of bilateral relations in today’s era.” The meeting took place immediately after the quad foreign ministers’ meeting (QFMM), which was recently held in Washington. This is another major link in the series of high-level relations of Indo-US.
America expressed satisfaction
US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth also expressed enthusiasm about Indo-US defense cooperation. He highlighted the integration of US defense systems in India’s armed forces and underlined the target of industrial cooperation and expansion of co-producing network.
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He said, “We are ready to complete many pending defense deals with India, expand the defense production network, and increase cooperation. Our shared defense can expand industrial cooperation and co-producing network.”
Preparation for ten -year new defense framework deal
Let us tell you that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to America in February this year, he and the then President Donald Trump had announced to prepare a new structure of Indo-US Major Defense Partnership for the next 10 years.
During this period, there was also a discussion of successfully inclusion of many American equipment in India’s Army, including: C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globmaster III, P-8i Posiden Aircraft, CH-47F Chinook Helicopter, MH-60R Seihak, AH-64E Apache, M777 Hovitzer, MQ-9b Drone and Harpon Anti-Ship missiles.
Apart from this, there are also plans to co-produce the Javilden anti-tank missiles and striker Infantry Combat Vehicles, so that India’s defense needs can be met soon.
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