By Reena BhardwajWashington [US], September 27 (ANI): US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin sharply criticised China for “unprecedented provocations in the Taiwan Strait” throughout bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on the Pentagon and stated that India and US, the 2 nice democracies are working collectively towards a brighter future for the Indo-Pacific because the world faces sustained challenges to peace, safety and prosperity within the area and past.
“Our bilateral defence ties are just one way that our two great democracies are working together toward a brighter future for the Indo-Pacific. The United States In India, along with a dozen other Indo-Pacific partners, pushing to expand our region’s prosperity for the Indo-Pacific Economic framework,” Austin stated throughout his opening remarks.
Responding to it, Jaishankar stated, “The ripple impact of our defence cooperation, I think, has a larger beneficiary implication. So for me, our meeting today and my presence here today I do share with you that the global situation today has become far more challenging for a variety of reasons.””Indo-Pacific in particular, it’s important that the stability, security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific should be secured, which is best done amongst others by cooperation between our two countries,” he added.
Referring to QUAD- the strategic coalition of main Indo-Pacific democracies comprising India, Australia, Japan and the US, Austin underscored the present issues over maritime safety in Taiwan and Indo-Pacific.
“Through our(US and India) deepening cooperation with Japan and Australia, we are delivering on the issues that matter most to the region, from entering infrastructure development to maritime security. Sustaining the region security is especially important in recent months, we have seen the PRC intensify its efforts to challenge the rules-based international court from its unprecedented provocations in the Taiwan Strait to its actions,” Austin stated as he hosted an honour cordon and welcomed Dr S Jaishankar to the Pentagon.
Austin additionally lambasted China for supporting Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and stated, “China (Peoples Republic of China) continues to support Russia amid its unprovoked and cruel invasion. So we face sustained challenges to peace, security and prosperity in the region and beyond.”While giving assurance to Jaishankar for US dedication, stated “But they only reaffirm the importance of our partnership. So as a minister, I’m grateful for your friendship. And we work together toward our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. And I look forward to a great discussion.”During the opening remarks in Washington, the Pentagon Chief additionally recalled his latest name with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and stated that the defence partnership between India and the US goes robust and power to power.
“I’m delighted to host you at the Pentagon today, especially following my recent call with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. These conversations reinforce a growing threat and ambition of our partnership. And that partnership is moving from strength to strength. Today, we are positioning the US and Indian militaries to operate and coordinate more closely together than ever,” he stated.
Rajnath Singh conveyed India’s issues associated to the American sustenance package deal for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet to Austin in a telephonic dialog during which the 2 leaders mentioned the rising convergence of strategic pursuits and enhanced cooperation.
Austin stated that each the democracies have been taking enough and important steps to deepen the “defense cooperation from stronger information sharing and defense industrial ties to cooperation in emerging defense domains, including through the launch of a new dialogue later this year.”Reversing the choice of the earlier Donald Trump administration, the Biden Administration has permitted a whooping USD 450 million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment programme for Pakistan.
Notably, External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, was welcomed by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to the Pentagon in an enhanced honor cordon ceremony on Thursday.
This assembly comes a day earlier than Jaishankar meets his US counterpart Sec Anthony Blinken.
Jaishankar on Saturday concluded the high-level United Nations General Assembly debate in New York. The EAM was in New York from September 18 to 24,In Washington, Jaishankar is predicted to fulfill US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and different senior officers of the Biden Administration. A spherical desk targeted on science and expertise can also be on the agenda for Washington. (ANI)