Ajit Doval, US Def Sec Lloyd Austin discuss ways to boost strategic ties

Greater transfer of technology, co-production and building indigenous capacities in line with the 'Make-in-India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives were also emphasised during the meeting here, according to sources.

Doval and Austin, who is on a two-day visit here since on Sunday, held detailed talks on bilateral, regional and global issues of concern, including maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The NSA shared his perspective about shared security interests and objectives, including his ideas for greater maritime collaboration.

The talks between Doval and Austin saw focus being laid on trusted sources of supplies, resilient supply chains and greater industry-to-industry partnerships.

It was underlined that countries in different regions - Middle East, South Asia & South East Asia and Indo-Pacific -- should be able to retain their freedom of action in line with their national priorities and are not coerced into poor choices.

It was also emphasised that a strategic approach should be adopted to global challenges through whole of government efforts including through people to people and societal relations.

Austin underscored the centrality of US-India partnership to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. This assumes special significance considering the growing assertiveness and aggression by China in the maritime zone.

The India trip by Austin comes just weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State visit to the US later this month.

(With UNI inputs)