Rajnath Singh to Address Strategic Interests in Upcoming US Visit

August 22 :
The Union Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, has expressed his eagerness to meet with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, on his next visit to Washington. According to Singh, he plans to meet with US and Indian leaders to review strategic interests and work to enhance defense collaboration.

"Heading to Washington," Rajnath Singh said to X. A Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership exists between the US and India. I am excited to finally meet my pal SecDef Austin. Will aim to deepen defense cooperation while discussing areas of strategic interest.

Among the guests Rajnath Singh will meet during his tour is Jake Sullivan, the United States Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.

The Defense Ministry said in a news release that "Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will be undertaking an official visit to the US from August 23 to 26, 2024, on the invitation of the US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin."

The visit is timed to coincide with the increasing momentum in defense engagements and relations between the US and India on various fronts.

"The visit is expected to further deepen and broaden the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," according to the announcement.

Rajnath Singh will also be in charge of a high-level roundtable discussion with US defense sector representatives to discuss current and future defense partnerships. During his visit, he will also meet with members of the Indian community, the statement said.

S. Jaishankar, India's minister of external affairs, met with Richard Verma, the United States' deputy secretary of state for management and resources, in Delhi on August 17 to discuss the ongoing progress in bilateral relations.

Concerning both local and international matters, Jaishankar and Richard Verma both shared their opinions. The 25th ambassador of the United States to India was Richard Verma. Back in September 2014, President Obama put him up for the nomination.

Jaishankar expressed his pleasure at meeting with @DeepSecStateMR Richard Verma in Delhi today in a post on X. Highlighted the ongoing progress in our bilateral relations. While also discussing and contrasting various regional and global concerns.

At the Quad Foreign Ministers conference in Tokyo on July 29, Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and according to him, they discussed a broad range of regional and global concerns.

After meeting up with SecBlinken in Tokyo today, Jaishankar took to X to express his gratitude. The bilateral agenda is making steady progress. Additionally, had an extensive conversation covering both local and international matters. Anticipate tomorrow's Quad FMM with great interest.