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Top Biden officials dial Rajnath Singh, Ajit Doval

In June 2016, the US had designated India a "major defence partner"

TOPSHOT-US-POLITICS-BIDEN-HEALTH-VIRUS US President Joe Biden | AFP

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday spoke with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during which he pledged to work collaboratively with him to sustain progress in the bilateral defence relationship, the Pentagon said.

"During the call, Secretary Austin emphasised the department's commitment to the US-India major defence partnership, observing that it is built upon shared values and a common interest in ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said. In June 2016, the US had designated India a "major defence partner intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners".

"Secretary Austin noted the great strides made in the US-India defence relationship, and he pledged to work collaboratively with the defense minister to sustain progress," Kirby said in a readout of the call. This was Austin's first call with his Indian counterpart after assuming the office.

At the same time, America's new National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, in his first call with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, reaffirmed the commitment of US President Joe Biden to a strong and enduring bilateral strategic partnership based on shared commitment to democracy, the White House said. This was the first call between the two national security advisers. They discussed the importance of continuing close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting regional security, and renewing efforts to collaborate on global challenges, including COVID-19 and climate change, said the statement.

India-US defence deals on upswing

The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. The two countries have inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.

The two sides have also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for sale of high end technology from the US to India.

-Inputs from PTI

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