Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has praised the growing India-US ties. He spoke to the Indian community in Washington DC during his four-day visit to the US. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin had arranged the visit.
Rajnath Singh highlighted that India and the US have long been strong allies. He believes that the two countries are well-positioned to work together to promote global peace and prosperity. Singh also stressed the importance of holding onto cultural values and loyalty to both nations. He praised the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which means ‘The entire world is a family.’
In his speech on Thursday (US time), Singh encouraged Indians working in the US to stay committed to their work. He emphasized that their dedication to both India and America should be clear. “You should always be dedicated to India, but your commitment to America should also not be doubted,” he said. He praised the honesty and integrity found in Indian culture.
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Singh also talked about the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy, saying it reflects India’s view of the world as one big family. He noted the significant progress India has made in the past decade, which has boosted its global position.
During his visit, He signed two important defence agreements. The first is the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA), which ensures both countries support each other’s defence needs and reduce supply chain issues. The second is a Memorandum of Agreement for Liaison Officers.
Singh’s visit included a meeting with the US defence industry to discuss future collaborations. He will also hold talks with Secretary Austin and meet Jake Sullivan, the US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.
This visit follows the fifth annual India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023. That meeting saw Washington reaffirm its support for India’s military upgrades and maritime security. The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) continues to drive joint defence technology efforts. Additionally, both countries are working on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), which aims to deepen their strategic partnership.