Enhancing U.S.-India Defense Cooperation for Indo-Pacific Security

Joseph Clark | Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks welcomed Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra to the Pentagon today for discussions on enhancing the U.S.-India defense partnership.

Emphasizing the importance of implementing the Roadmap for U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation, both officials highlighted the significant progress achieved in bolstering the Major Defense Partnership, which contributes to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Acknowledging the strides made in defense collaboration, Deputy Secretary Hicks and Foreign Secretary Kwatra commended ongoing initiatives such as the co-production of fighter jet engines and armored vehicles. They also lauded the successes of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) in fostering innovation and fostering partnerships among researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors from both nations.

In addition to discussing bilateral defense initiatives, Deputy Secretary Hicks and Foreign Secretary Kwatra explored opportunities to broaden the scope of military engagements between the U.S. and India across various domains. Their conversations emphasized the importance of joint efforts to enhance stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Addressing regional security challenges, the officials reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration in pursuit of a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. This commitment reflects the enduring partnership between the United States and India in advancing peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.

Source: Department Of Defense, Pentagon, April 12, 2024