US Secretary of Defence Mr. Lloyd Austin is embarking on a crucial visit to India, scheduled for November 9 and 10, 2023, highlighting the significance of the India-US strategic relationship. The focus of the visit is to co-chair the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, a platform involving high-level discussions on defence, strategic, and technological collaborations between the two nations.
“Upon his arrival in New Delhi on November 9, Secretary Austin will be greeted with a Tri-service Guard of Honour at the Palam Technical Area, emphasizing the importance of the visit and the bilateral engagements set to take place”.
The Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue, to be held on November 10, will witness co-chairing by Secretary Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar. This dialogue aims to delve into critical strategic and defence issues, fostering dialogue on mutual interests and priorities for both nations.
Subsequently, Secretary Austin is slated to engage in a bilateral meeting with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to discuss an array of strategic, defence, and technology-related matters. The discussions are anticipated to underscore the shared interests and collaborative efforts between India and the United States in various domains.
“This visit holds immense significance as it underscores the mutual commitment to furthering bilateral ties, building on the momentum from Secretary Austin’s previous visit to India in June 2023. The previous discussions and engagements are expected to form the groundwork for advancing shared goals and partnerships between the two nations in various strategic and defence areas”.
